From 1st of November, Victorian drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by 25 km/h or more but less than 35 km/h will lose their license for three months.
If the driver exceeds the speed limit by 20 km/h or more but less than 25 km/h in a 110 km/h zone, the same penalty applies.
At 35 km/h above the limit, the driver will lose his license for six months and at 45 km/h above the limit, the driver will lose his license for 12 months.
Under the previous law, motorists caught for speeding offences would lose their licence for one month. Demerit points will no longer be accrued for all excessive speed offences.
VicRoads Director of Road Access and User Vehicle Access, Roger Chao, supports a recent research study which revealed that licence suspensions deter higher level speeding offences.
“The study examined how speeding drivers responded to various penalties including licence suspensions, demerit points, good behaviour bonds and vehicle impoundments,” Mr Chao said.
“There was strong evidence that licence suspension for higher level speeding offences lower the likelihood of repeat offences and these drivers being involved in a casualty crash.”
TAC Lead Director of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said speeding is one of the most serious offence that has caused death and injuries on Victorian roads.
According to the latest TAC report, 170 people die on our roads in 2018, 14.6% down from the previous year’s numbers.
"The fact that speed continues to play a part in about one third of Victorian deaths and injuries shows there is still work to be done to get motorists to slow down,” Ms Cockfield said.
"Tougher penalties, alongside enforcement and education, is proven to be the best approach to tackling speeding on Victorian roads."
Other changes to come into effect on 1 November include:
- The maximum penalty for unlicensed driving has now tripled. Offenders caught will face $9500 fine or six months jail time.
- There will be one maximum penalty for driving while disqualified, which is $38,000 fine or two years jail time-first offence or not.
Two new offences will also be introduced:
• A person who knowingly allows an unlicensed driver to drive could receive a maximum $9,500 fine or six months jail time.
• Employers who hire an unlicensed person to drive could receive a maximum $3,160 fine for individuals or $15,800 fine for body corporates.
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