Traffic Law

In recent years, the Western Australian government has been cracking down on drivers who repeatedly commit traffic offences. Whilst the vast majority of traffic offenders are dealt with by way of infringements where they pay a fine and incur some demerit points, some offences are considered too serious for this and must be dealt with…

The introduction of P turns is one of several changes to Road Rules that Vic Roads has rolled out for specific locations in Melbourne. The new rules are designed to reduce congestion in areas notorious for traffic jams, but critics say they will only create more confusion. The infamous ‘hook turns’ mandated at particular intersections…

A sharp increase in the number of people charged with drug driving offenses has been recorded in New South Wales in the last three years. Drug testing was introduced in NSW in 2007, and in 2015 the government announced that it would triple the number of roadside tests administered by police. A person does not…

Motor vehicle accidents are stressful and even minor accidents can raise complex legal questions about who is responsible for damage to vehicles or injuries. It is important that anyone who is involved in a motor vehicle accident understands their rights and what steps they need to take following the incident. Road users should be aware…

In New South Wales, the Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Scheme, which has been in operation for a number of years, has been abolished under the Road Transport Amendment (Driver Licence Disqualification) Act 2017 (the Act). The Act takes effect from the 28th October, 2017, and includes a wide range of measures that impact on driver…

What is ‘Dangerous’ Driving? Whether a driver sneakily crosses a median strip (hoping they won’t be caught by police), fails to follow the curve of a sweeping left bend, or mistakenly crosses double white lines, it generally doesn’t cross their mind that, as a result of such a relatively minor infringement, someone could be severely…

National Demerit Points Scheme The Demerit Points Scheme is a program agreed between the States which allocates demerit points for a range of driving offences. It’s designed to encourage safe and responsible driving. Along with financial penalties, demerit points provide a strong incentive to drive within signposted speed restrictions. Any driver who exceeds the limit…

Licence Disqualification – New Legislation, New Approach The law with respect to driver licence disqualification in New South Wales has been amended under the new Road Transport Amendment (Driver Licence Disqualification) Act 2017 (NSW). The amendments came into effect as of 28 October 2017. The purpose for the reforms is to ensure that the penalties…

New minimum passing rules for drivers overtaking cyclists in Western Australia are to be introduced as a partial modification of the state’s Road Traffic Code. The new regulations are due to take effect in Western Australia as part of the state’s traffic law from the 30th of November 2017. New minimum passing rules in WA: what do the…

As a driver, it is important to understand what charges can result from a traffic accident in NSW. There are strict requirements that you must follow when you are involved in a traffic accident on public roads. These rules include exchanging details with the other motorists involved, assisting any injured people, and cooperating with police.…

Serious traffic offences in New South Wales are known as major offences. Both the Crimes Act 1900 and the Road Transport Act 2013 deal with serious traffic offences in NSW.  A major traffic offence is defined under section 4 of the Road Transport Act 2013. A driver who commits three such offences in a five…

The Go To Court Lawyers Dandenong team, led by Victorian State Manager Sylvie Maranis, have reduced client debt from over $200,000 to $1,500. Some clients had even risked a one-year jail sentence and had their fines reduced to nothing. One case was a debt of over $100,000 and the infringement was reduced to $0. What…

The Victorian government takes excessive speeding seriously. Under the Road Safety Act 1986 and the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009, there are automatic and mandatory licence suspension sentences for drivers who excessively speed. It is an offence to drive in excess of the speed limit and driving up to 24 kilometres above the limit will…

Written by Jack Leitner and Chantal McNaught Following the news that Queensland will be making ride-booking services legal from 5 September, Victorian Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan announced that similar reforms in Victoria will be forthcoming. ‘These reforms will be comprehensive and they will give people more choice,’ Ms Allan said. Previously, Queensland, New South…

After releasing its long-awaited review into the personalised transport industry, the Queensland government will make ride-booking (also referred to as ride-sharing) services legal throughout Queensland from 5 September 2016.  These changes will impact ride-sharing drivers (using a ride-booking service such as Uber), taxi and limousine services. This decision comes mere months after the government introduced…