From November 1st 2018, anyone caught exceeding the speed limit in Victoria by 25 km/h or more but less than 35 km/h will lose their licence for 3 months.
The same penalty will apply for anyone who exceeds the speed limit by 20km/h or more but less than 25 km/h in a 110 km/h zone.
At 35 km/h above the limit, you lose your licence for 6 months and at 45 km/h above the limit, you won’t be driving for 12 months.
Previously motorists caught for those 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, said a recent research study revealed licence suspensions were the key to deterring higher level speeding offences.
“There was strong evidence that licence suspension for higher level speeding offences lowers the likelihood of repeat offences and these drivers being involved in a casualty crash,” Mr Chao said.
TAC Lead Director of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said speed is one of the biggest factors causing death and serious injuries on Victorian roads.
"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:
- Increasing the maximum penalty for unlicensed driving to $9,500 fine or six months jail (currently a $3,950 fine or three months jail).
- There’ll be one maximum penalty for driving while disqualified, regardless of whether it's a first or subsequent offence. The new penalties will be $38,000 fine or two years jail (currently a $4,700 fine or four months jail for the first offence).
There are also two new offences:
- A person who knowingly allows an unlicensed driver to drive will face a maximum $9,500 fine or six months jail
- The penalty for employers who employ someone to drive who is unlicensed will be a maximum $3,160 fine for individuals or $15,800 fine for body corporates.
