Driving fines and penalties stuck in the last century - AA calls for change
15 October 2025
The AA says an overhaul is needed of fines and penalties for driving offences, many of which have remained unchanged since 1999.
More than two decades of inflation have eroded the deterrent value of the infringement system, says AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.
“Our fines and penalties are well behind the times, and this is undermining road safety. The system needs a thorough review to make it relevant and effective at driving behaviour change.”
The AA wants to see an adjustment of fines for inflation. In 1999, the median weekly income before tax was $520. That has increased 158% to $1343 as of 2024 according to Stats NZ.
“Getting stung $30 for a low-level speeding infringement in 1999 was a significant chunk out of your paycheck – but the deterrent value has eroded when you consider the growth in wages.
“We’d like to see fines increased to have the same real value as they did in 1999 and to be automatically adjusted for inflation from then on to maintain their impact over time.”
Dylan appreciates people might find more expensive fines concerning at a time when many are doing it tough financially however New Zealand’s crash rate is higher than most similar countries and there would be benefits to better behaviour on our roads.
He says crashes not only have tragic consequences for individuals and families but also put pressure on the health system and emergency services, as well as repair bills that can come from even a minor crash.
“Most similar countries have tougher driving penalties than New Zealand and lower crash rates. Effective fines and penalties aren’t the whole solution, but they are an important part of it.”
Recent survey results show the perception among most AA Members is that fines are not effective. Less than half of the survey respondents thought current fines discouraged the most common driving offences like speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a cell phone or drunk and drugged driving.
Dylan says some offences also carry sanctions which appear to be inconsistent with the potential harm they could cause. An unregistered vehicle attracts a $200 fine and demerit points yet other offences with vastly different safety implications are less severe - failing to stop at a red light and not wearing a seatbelt each incurs a $150 fine and no demerits.
Inflation adjustment and matching fines and penalties to the severity of offending are obvious amendments, but Dylan says more could be done to make the system more effective at keeping roads safe.
“We need to make better use of other strategies like demerit points, tougher consequences for repeat offending, more use of alcohol interlocks and the use of the Alcohol and Other Drug Courts.”
What the AA wants included as part of a fines and penalties review:
- Increase fines to reflect inflation rates since they were last reviewed
- Have higher fines and penalties for higher-risk offences
- Review penalties so higher-risk offences that do not currently incur demerit point will attract demerits
- Traffic offences incur a multiplier to demerit points during holiday periods
- Alternative penalties alongside traditional penalties
- Introduce a “good behaviour” bond
- Increased penalties for repeat offences be investigated
- First offence drink drivers are eligible for an alcohol interlock
- Expanding Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Courts
Note to media: In early 2025 the two surveys were conducted of AA Members to gauge their views and experiences of the current fines and penalties system, as well as explore possible changes that could be made to the system. Follow this link to view a summary infographic of the key findings.