It has been shown time and time again that simply slowing down and driving safely for the conditions is the best way to reduce road crashes.
Research has shown that even five km/h over a 60 km/h speed limit can double the risk of an injury crash. The risk doubles again for each additional five km/h travelled.
At higher speeds you have less time to detect and respond to hazards. When you are still new to driving you need even more time to assess hazards and deal with dangerous situations.
Penalty rules
It’s important that you know the rules so you don’t get fined or, even worse, lose your licence.
- Learner and P1 plate drivers will have their licence suspended for at least three months for ANY speeding offence
- P2 plate drivers will have their licence suspended for at least three months for a second speeding offence
- Learners and P plate drivers receive a minimum of four demerit points and a fine for any speeding offence
- Speeding attracts additional points if committed in a school zone
- Double demerit points apply for speeding during all holiday periods such a long weekends, Christmas, New Year and Easter
- Learner and provisional riders and drivers face immediate suspension and confiscation of their licence for speeding more than 30 km/h over the speed limit.
Like most things, it takes lots of practice to become a safe and confident driver. These rules are designed to give new drivers time to learn to adjust the vehicle speed to suit the traffic situations and driving conditions.
More information on speeding penalties is available on the Roads and Maritime Services website