New South Wales introduces stricter road crime penalties

New legislation aimed at updating offences and punishments for road crimes will be introduced to the New South Wales Parliament this week. The reforms respond to recommendations from the 2025 NSW Law Reform Commission report on serious road crime.

Key changes include the introduction of new offences for dangerous driving and hit-and-runs that cause actual bodily harm. Dangerous driving causing actual bodily harm could result in up to three years' imprisonment, increasing to five years if aggravating circumstances are present. Additionally, failing to stop and assist after a crash causing actual bodily harm will carry a penalty of up to three years.

In a move to address digital conduct, the legislation proposes up to two years' imprisonment for individuals who intentionally record and distribute images of road crash victims without a reasonable excuse, provided they know or should know the victim is seriously injured, dying, or deceased. Unlawful street racing will also be categorized as an aggravating factor for dangerous driving offences.