New Car Safety Regulations Australia 2025

A significant shift in Australia’s vehicle safety environment is imminent. All newly marketed cars must adhere to ADR 98/00, a rule requiring the installation of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), as of 1 March 2025. 

These modifications are a part of a larger government initiative to raise car safety regulations in accordance with international standards. Knowing these auto safety laws is essential for navigating the road ahead, regardless of whether you’re a manufacturer, seller, or customer.

Understanding ADR 98/00

The New Vehicle Safety Standard National regulations known as the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) regulate anti-theft, pollution, and vehicle safety. ADRs, which were first implemented in the 1970s, guarantee that every car on Australian roads satisfies uniform performance and all the car safety rules. 

In particular, the forthcoming ADR 98/00 requires that: 

• Beginning on 1 March 2025, all new light passenger and commercial vehicles sold in Australia are required to include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). 
• The goal of this regulation is to stop rear-end collisions between cars, which are among the most frequent and expensive kinds of collisions. 

All recently released models as well as any models that are still being sold after this date are subject to this regulation.

AEB: What Is It and Why Is It Important for Modern Cars?

When a possible collision is detected and the driver is not quick enough to react, a driver-assistance system called Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) automatically applies the brakes. Usually, it uses cameras, radar, or sensors to keep an eye on the road ahead. 

Among AEB’s advantages are: 

• reduced rear-end crashes: Several worldwide studies have shown that AEB reduces rear-end collisions by more than 50%. 
• Improved pedestrian safety: Bicyclists and pedestrians can be detected by sophisticated AEB systems. 
• Reduced insurance costs: Because AEB-equipped vehicles have reduced risk profiles, insurers frequently offer discounts on them. 

With this rule, Australia is now catching up to nations like Japan, the UK, and EU members that have adopted AEB globally.

The Reasons Australia Is Revising Its Vehicle Safety Laws

United Nations Regulation No. 152, which encourages member nations to standardise their approach to AEB, is in line with the new mandate. However, local data is equally as important as global harmonisation. 

Principal causes of the modifications: 

• Every year, hundreds of avoidable rear-end collisions occur, according to road crash statistics. 
• Governmental organisations and safety advocacy groups are promoting a modernised fleet of vehicles. 
• The public’s desire for safer car technologies is gradually increasing. 

ADR 98/00 is a public safety initiative as well as a regulation update because of these elements taken together.

Which Cars Will ADR 98/00 Affect?

AEB will be required for all new cars sold in Australia starting in March 2025. This will impact: 

• After 2025, a new model will be released. 
• Current car models that are still being manufactured but do not have AEB (unless they are improved). 

A few producers are getting ready already. Notably, Mitsubishi has come under fire in forums and industry circles for failing to include AEB as standard on a number of its older models. It could be necessary to upgrade or retire certain models prior to the deadline. 

The following well-known vehicles could be affected: 

• Mitsubishi Triton (previous models) 
• ASX Mitsubishi (basic models) 
• Nissan Navara (models for entry) 
• AEB is absent from several fleet versions of the Toyota HiLux. 

Manufacturers must make sure that all of their car models, not just the costlier trims meet the criteria.

Can Older Cars Still Be Purchased or Sold Without AEB?

Only new vehicles sold after 1 March 2025, are subject to this rule. Although used cars are not as much impacted, there are still some factors to be aware of: 

• It is still permissible to sell second hand cars privately without an AEB. Just like you would ordinarily, you can buy or sell a used car. 
• However, even if the vehicles were produced prior to the law’s implementation, dealers are not permitted to sell fresh stock of non-compliant vehicles after the deadline. 
• Stricter regulations may also apply to certain government and fleet sales. 

Dealerships will therefore need to remove non-compliant cars from their new car listings, even though your used 2017 model without AEB is still safe to drive and legal.

Buyers: Important Information to Know Before Buying a Car in 2025

When looking for a car in or after 2025, it’s more crucial than ever to verify AEB compliance because of these developments. 

Here’s how: 

• Verify that AEB is mentioned in the vehicle handbook and specification sheet. 
• Request in writing from the dealer that the car conforms with ADR 98/00. 
• Verify the build date because it can still be impacted if it was completed before March 2025 but sold later. 
• If AEB is crucial to you for safety and insurance reasons, be sure it is present in used cars. 

Consequences of purchasing a car that isn’t AEB in 2025: 

• Some lenders might reevaluate the terms of the loan. 
• Cars lacking AEB will have higher insurance rates. 
• In the future, your resale value can decline.

How Manufacturers and Dealerships Are Getting Ready for the Change

Dealerships and manufacturers are now required to assess their inventory and marketing strategy in light of the impending rule. 

What is going on in the industry is as follows: 

• Older models are being phased out: Production lines are gradually removing cars without AEB. 
• Modernising existing models: AEB is being retrofitted into cars that were previously non-compliant by several manufacturers. 
• Dealer stock audits: To emphasise AEB compliance, inventory systems are being modified. 
• Marketing emphasis changes: Dealers are educating employees to answer regulatory questions and pitch the advantages of AEB. 

As AEB becomes more commonplace, the basic manufacturing cost may also rise, which could result in higher entry-level model prices.

What Happens If a Car Doesn’t Meet the Rules After the Deadline?

From 1 March 2025, all new cars sold in Australia must have Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). If a car doesn’t meet this rule after the deadline, here’s what happens:

• Dealers won’t be allowed to sell it as new. Even if the car was built before the deadline, it must not be listed or sold as a new vehicle if it doesn’t have AEB.
• Dealers may have to withdraw it from sale. Cars without AEB that are still in the showroom or listed online will likely need to be removed, upgraded, or sold differently (for example, as a used car).
• Manufacturers might stop making or importing certain models. If a car model doesn’t include AEB, it may be taken off the market completely.
• No fines for car owners. If you already own a car without AEB, you’re not breaking any rules. The law only applies to new cars sold from 1 March 2025 onwards.
• Used car sales are still allowed. You can still buy or sell a second-hand car without AEB, as long as it was first sold or registered before the deadline.

This means car yards and manufacturers will need to move quickly to make sure their stock follows the new rules.

Now, what should you do?

If you intend to buy a car within the next 12 months, as a buyer, 

• start looking for AEB right away.
• ask dealers about models that comply with 2025.
• when purchasing older models, take resale value into account because cars without AEB may lose value more quickly after 2025.

Examine your inventory if you’re a dealer or private seller 

• get ready to phase out models that don’t comply.
• inform clients in a clear and concise manner of the advantages of AEB and the modifications to regulations.
• marketing collateral and internet listings should be updated to reflect the current state of compliance.

Future Roads Will Be Safer

The aim of the new car safety laws is simple to reduce crashes, protect lives, and make sure all vehicles on Australian roads meet modern safety standards. It’s not just about rules on paper it’s about real safety for everyday drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

AEB will become a key feature in new cars, and whether you’re buying, selling, or upgrading, it’s something you’ll need to think about. From 2025 onwards, new cars must meet this rule to be legally sold which means both dealers and buyers will need to check for AEB.

If you have an older car that doesn’t meet the new AEB rule and want to sell it before the deadline, Get Cash For Carz Brisbane will still buy it. These changes are a step forward towards safer roads for everyone and knowing what’s coming can help you make better choices today.

Concerning Australian Vehicle Safety Laws What are Australia’s new vehicle safety regulations? 

According to ADR 98/00, all new cars must include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) starting in March 2025. 

Which models of Mitsubishi are impacted by the AEB law? 

It has been noted that the ASX and Mitsubishi Triton base trims lack standard AEB. These might require revisions or be taken off the market. 

What is Australia’s Design Rule 98/00? 

Car-to-car AEB is required by ADR 98/00 for all new light cars sold in Australia as of 1 March 2025. 

If a used car has issues in Australia, is it possible to return it? 

Yes, secondhand autos must be of a suitable quality in accordance with Australian Consumer Law.