The Minns Labor Government is introducing reforms to make NSW's roads safer, help save lives and hold dangerous drivers to account.
Legislation to be introduced to NSW Parliament today includes new offences for dangerous driving and hit-and-runs causing actual bodily harm, and for intentionally recording and sharing images of road crash victims.
Unlawful street racing will also become an aggravated factor for dangerous driving offences, exposing those who engage in this dangerous conduct to higher penalties.
The reforms include important updates to the Crimes Act 1900 to improve community understanding of serious road crimes and modernise the existing offence of wanton and furious driving.
The legislation responds directly to recommendations from the 2025 NSW Law Reform Commission report into serious road crime.
The new offence of dangerous driving causing actual bodily harm will be punishable by up to three years' imprisonment or five years if there are aggravating circumstances.
The new offence of failing to stop and assist after a crash causing actual bodily harm will also be punishable by up to three years' imprisonment.
Those who intentionally record and disseminate images of a road crash victim without reasonable excuse - and where they know, or ought to know, the victim is seriously injured, dying or deceased -will face up to two years' imprisonment.
The reforms are based on extensive consultation with law enforcement, government agencies, legal stakeholders and road trauma advocates.
The new offences will complement the range of criminal penalties already available when a driver causes the death of another person, extending up to life imprisonment.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
"These reforms will help make our roads safer and save lives. Road trauma is a leading cause of death in NSW and shatters entire families and communities.
"We are introducing new criminal offences to better target drivers who risk their own and other people's lives. The message to those who engage in dangerous, criminal behaviour on NSW roads is clear: you will face the full force of the law.
"The reforms also target bystanders who, rather than rushing to help at the scene of a crash, record victims who lay seriously injured, dying or dead and then share it on social media. This is despicable behaviour which could land you in jail."
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and the impact of road trauma is felt by families and communities long after a crash.
"Dangerous driving has devastating consequences, and those who put other road users at risk must be held accountable for their actions.
"These changes will strengthen our ability to hold dangerous drivers to account, while recognising the serious and lasting harm their actions can cause to others.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility, and these stronger laws are another important step towards making our roads safer for everyone."
