How breaking this road rule could cost new drivers their licence
When new drivers are venturing out on the roads as P-platers, they will find themselves burdened with a range of road rules that are designed to keep them safe as they get used to driving independently.
One of the key rules that new drivers face is that they have to be wary of their speeds with some states limiting just how fast they can travel in comparison to more experienced drivers.
It’s a rule that is only found in New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory so what do new drivers in these states have to contend with?
$123 fine awaits drivers who believe this popular urban myth
$464 fine threatens drivers who break this bizarre road rule
NSW Police laying down the law
No state gives new drivers more conditions and road rules surrounding their speed than what can be found in New South Wales, which has multiple limits depending on what type of licence new drivers are on.
This is because an added clause to Rule 24 of the NSW Road Rules states that any driver on a learner licence or a P1 or P2 will be mandated to travel at certain speeds.
Anyone on their L-plates or a P1 licence is not allowed to travel any faster than 90km/h meanwhile those on a P2 licence are only allowed to reach a maximum speed of 100km/h on state roads.
These rules are designed to give inexperienced drivers a better chance to learn how to handle a vehicle at lower speeds and become more confident and reduce the risk of having an accident.
NSW Police won’t take any prisoners if they find anyone breaking these rules as anyone who is caught breaking these speeding laws will receive a minimum penalty of four demerit points and a fine of $123.
The financial penalties increase steeply if they are caught travelling at more than 10km/h over the set limits for their licence type with anyone exceeding the national speed limit of 110km/h facing a minimum fine of $489 as well as four demerit points.
It’s a tough penalty for anyone just starting out on the roads if they are caught and sets a high standard for young drivers to follow as they learn to put their theoretical knowledge into practical experience.
Tasmania P-platers face tough rules
New drivers in both the Northern Territory and Tasmania face the same restrictions as those in NSW with L-plate drivers restricted to 90km/h and P-platers restricted to 100km/h.
However, the authorities in both of these states treat offending drivers with the same penalties as what a motorist on a full licence might face.
For example, new drivers in Tasmania face a minimum penalty of $87 and two demerit points if they are caught breaking their licence-based speed limits by less than 10km/h.
This then extends to a $173 fine and a total of three demerit points to a licence if the driver is found travelling between 10-20km/h over their set limit.
Unlike NSW though, Tasmania Police will automatically disqualify a driver for three months if they are caught travelling at more than 38km/h over the limit set by their licence type as well as issuing a minimum fine of $735.
It means that drivers who are just starting need to be aware of every road rule and condition that revolves around the type of licence they own.
Otherwise, they could find themselves unnecessarily losing their licence soon after finally getting it following months and months of hard work.
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