From 1 September
2012, penalties for speeding offences are about to change.
Lower level speeding will attract a lower fine but incur an extra
demerit point and higher level speeding offences incur increased
fines and an increase in demerit points.
Motorists who break the speed limit by a small margin repeatedly
will lose their licence quicker. So even if they can afford
to pay the fines there is the possibility that they will be
deterred from driving just over the speed limit because it will
eventually lead to a loss of licence.
A comparison of the current penalties and the new penalties that
come into effect from 1 September reveals the difference.
Speeding penalties that apply until 31 August 2012:
|
Exceeding the speed limit:
|
Demerit Points
|
Expiation Fee*
|
|
By less than 15 kph over the speed limit
|
1
|
$260.00
|
|
By 15 kph but less than 30 kph
|
3
|
$383.00
|
|
By 30 kph but less than 45 kph
|
4
|
$550.00
|
|
By 45 kph or more (excessive speed)
|
6
|
$671.00
|
*Fees current from 1 July 2012
Speeding penalties that apply from 1 September 2012:
|
Exceeding the speed limit:
|
Demerit Points
|
Expiation Fee
|
|
By less than 10 kph over the speed limit
|
2
|
$150.00
|
|
By 10 kph but less than 20 kph
|
3
|
$330.00
|
|
By 20 kph but less than 30 kph
|
5
|
$670.00
|
|
By 30 kph but less than 45 kph
|
7
|
$800.00
|
|
By 45 kph or more (excessive speed)
|
9
|
$900.00
|
In addition to the fines incurred a $60.00 victims of crime levy
will also apply.
Speeding is a problem. The Government has introduced these
new penalties to reduce speeding, save lives and prevent injury. If
you don't exceed the speed limit you don't get a fine and you don't
incur any demerit points. It is that simple.
If you've been booked for speeding offences or any other traffic
violations and you want to know your rights, feel free to get in
touch directly with today's blog writer, Solicitor in Criminal & Police Matters at Andersons Solicitors, David
Mullen.
Please note, this Blog is posted in Adelaide, South
Australia. It relates to South Australian legislation.