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Blog Traffic Law Victoria Melbourne Woman Dubbed Australia’s Worst Driver

Melbourne Woman Dubbed Australia’s Worst Driver

Updated on Jun 15, 2016 • 3 min read • 253 views • Copy Link

Laura Turner

Published in Jun 16, 2016 • Updated on Jun 16, 2016 • 3 min read • 253 views

Melbourne Woman Dubbed Australia’s Worst Driver

Melbourne woman, Michelle Chaffey, 32, has achieved the dubious distinction of being possibly Australia’s worst driver.

Dubbed the ‘demerit queen’ by Channel 9, Chaffey appeared in Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 14 June 2016 after having accrued 157 driver demerit points and additional charges for having been driving while her licence was suspended. The offences related to driving outside of marked lanes, driving in a lane designated for emergencies, speeding, failing to indicate, and following too closely behind other cars.

Police were horrified by Chaffey’s record, while road safety executive, Russell White, described her behaviour as ‘incredibly shocking and really scary’ as it showed she was unconcerned about her own safety and the safety of others. Outside Court, Chaffey was unrepentant, telling reporters that she was a ‘good driver’ and challenging them to prove that her driving was dangerous.

In Victoria, the number of demerit points you can accrue before losing your licence depends upon whether you hold a full licence or a provisional or learner licence. For full licence holders, accrual of 12 or more demerit points will result in the loss of your licence for a period of 3 months for accruing 12 points, and an additional period of 1 month for every 4 points over the first 12.

This kind of behaviour shows a lack of concern for her own safety and the safety of others.

For learner or provisional licence holders, more than 4 demerit points in a 12 month period or 12 points in a 3 year period means the licence will be lost. If it is lost in a 12 month period, the licence will be suspended for 3 months for the first 5 points and 1 month for every additional 4 points. If lost because of accrual of points over 3 years, the period of suspension is 3 months for the first 12 points and 1 month for each additional 4 points.

For driving while on a suspended licence in Victoria, the penalty will depend upon the reason for the suspension and whether it is the first time the person has done so or if they are a repeat offender. The typical penalty for a first offence is a fine of more than $4,500 (30 penalty units) or 4 months in prison. If it is not her first offence, the penalty could be a fine of more than $36,400 (240 penalty units) and up to 2 years in prison. The court may also impose a further period of disqualification from driving.

For Chaffey, assuming she held a full licence (even though suspended) when she accrued the demerit points, this could mean suspension for around 40 months, or nearly 3 ½ years, though it is likely, given the extent of her record, the court will impose an even longer period of disqualification. The penalty for driving whilst suspended depends upon whether it is her first offence, but it is probable the court will not look favourably upon her and she could be facing a heavy fine and a period of imprisonment.

Chaffey is likely to be eligible to – and indeed is of the opinion she will – drive again next month after the expiration of the automatic disqualification period. However, she is due to face court again in August for sentencing, so shouldn’t count on having her licence for very much longer.

Published in

Jun 16, 2016

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.

Home Blog Traffic Law Victoria Melbourne Woman Dubbed Australia’s Worst Driver

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

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