The ACT Government has upgraded its speed and red-light camera network to include vehicle registration checks. Now, drivers caught speeding or running a red light in the ACT may face an additional $700 fine if their vehicle is found to be unregistered. This penalty is added on top of the original infringement.

With registration, CTP (Compulsory Third Party insurance), and licensing costs reaching $2174 annually per household, the ACT is the most expensive place in Australia to register a vehicle. Unlike some other states, the ACT does not offer shorter registration periods to spread out these costs, which has led to a rise in unregistered vehicles on the roads since physical registration stickers were phased out.
This new camera technology brings the ACT in line with states like South Australia and Victoria, where all traffic cameras can check vehicle registration status. Previously, only specific cameras were used for registration checks. The ACT’s move is part of a broader trend in Australia where law enforcement increasingly uses advanced technology to catch offending drivers.

In addition to rego-checking cameras, authorities have rolled out mobile phone detection cameras and, in New South Wales, cameras that can detect if drivers and passengers are not wearing seatbelts. This highlights a growing focus on using technology to enhance road safety and compliance with traffic laws.