Just days remaining for drivers in one state to switch to new licence or risk $2,500 fine
From Sunday, motorists driving ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPV) in South Australia will face steep fines if they haven't obtained a U-class licence.
Australians driving ultra high-powered vehicles in one state are being reminded they've got just days to apply to for a new "U-class licence" or risk facing fines of $2,500 and up to six demerit points.
South Australia's Department of Transport told Yahoo News Australia that since July, there have been almost 1,500 drivers that have undertaken training to obtain the new U-class licence, which was introduced after the tragic death of 15-year-old Sophia Naismith, who was killed after she was hit by an out of control Lamborghini in 2019.
From Sunday, December 1, motorists driving ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPV), including sports and luxury cars will face the steep fines if they're caught with a regular licence.
They must also complete an interactive online course designed to educate drivers on the additional risks posed by high-powered vehicles.
Drivers urged to comply or risk steep fines
The move will apply to any of the state's roughly 1.2 million registered drivers wanting to drive a high-powered vehicle. A spokesperson for SA's Department for Infrastructure and Transport said drivers also face incurring six demerit points if they're caught out without the new document.
"The new laws that come into effect on 1 December will strengthen both education and enforcement to help ensure drivers of ultra-high-powered vehicles are well informed, responsible and safe on the roads," the spokesperson told Yahoo.
They said the U-class training course is designed to better educate drivers on the additional risks posed by these vehicles and their features. The course cost is $61 and the licence replacement fee is $20.
"The maximum penalty for driving a UHPV without holding a U-class licence is $2,500 for a first offence," the spokesperson continued.
"The penalty for subsequent offences is one year imprisonment. As is the case currently, people visiting from interstate will be able to drive on their interstate licence but they will need to follow SA road rules." The maximum penalty is six demerit points. A court can also issue a maximum penalty of up to $5,000.
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What is a UHPV?
According to South Australian road authorities, an ultra high powered vehicle (UHPV) is defined as any vehicle, other than a bus, motorbike or motor trike, with a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes, that has a power-to-weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more.
According to the SA Attorney-General Kyam Maher, there are about 200 makes of vehicles covered by the law. The Lamborghini that hit Sophia would ultimately meet this criteria.
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