Leslie Massey
Speeding is one of the largest contributors to road crash fatalities and injuries in Australia. It is illegal to drive above the speed limit in Australia, and the penalty depends on how fast the driver is going over the limit. Penalties for speeding include fines, demerit points, and, in some cases, licence suspension. For example, in Western Australia, speeding offences may result in the impounding or confiscation of a vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is speeding illegal? | Yes |
| Speed limit in school zones | 40km/h except in South Australia where it is 25km/h |
| Default speed limit in built-up areas | 50 km/h |
| Default speed limit in other areas | 100 km/h |
| Speed limit for buses exceeding 5-tonne GVM and vehicles exceeding 12-tonne GVM | 100 km/h |
| Speed limit on freeways | No more than 20 km/h below the posted speed limit |
| Penalty for speeding | Fine, demerit points, licence suspension |
| Impact of speeding | Increases the chances of a crash and the likelihood of serious injury or death |
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What You'll Learn
Penalties for speeding
Speeding is a major factor in fatal road accidents in Australia. In 2023, 41% of road fatalities were in crashes in 110 km/h speed zones. Between 2018 and 2023, 1,787 people were killed or seriously injured in speed-related crashes. Speeding increases the chances of a crash and the severity of the crash. It also leaves drivers with less time to react to hazards and increases the distance required to come to a stop. For every 5 km/h increase in travelling speed in a 60 km/h zone, the risk of being injured in a crash doubles.
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Speed limits in school zones
Speeding is one of the largest contributors to road crash fatalities and injuries in Australia. Speed limits are established to protect everyone on the road, and they are based on what is safe for the different types of roads and environments. Speed limits in school zones are an important aspect of effective traffic management.
In Western Australia, the start of a school zone is indicated by a "School Zone" sign, which includes information about the reduced speed limit and the times and days of operation. The preferred practice is to combine the Australian Standard signs R4-8 (school zone), R4-1 (speed restriction), and R9-1-2 (times of operation) into a single "School Zone" sign. "Enhanced School Zone" signs, which have a five-sided fluorescent yellow green "hat," are used at the start of the zone on roads that directly front onto the school site.
The speed limit in school zones in Western Australia is typically 40 km/h, with the exception of South Australia, where the limit is 25 km/h. In South Australia, this speed limit is enforced not only in school zones but also at children's crossings when the lights are flashing.
It is important to note that speeding in school zones can have severe consequences. Even a small increase in speed can sharply increase the risk of a collision and the severity of injuries. Therefore, drivers need to be aware of the speed limits in school zones and adjust their speed accordingly to accommodate for conditions such as rain, traffic density, and low visibility to ensure the safety of children and other road users.
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Speeding and insurance premiums
Speeding is illegal in Australia, and for good reason. Speed limits are established to protect everyone on the road, and they are based on what is safe for the different types of roads and environments. Speed is the biggest cause of fatalities and severe injuries on Australian roads. In 2023 alone, 41% of fatalities were in crashes in 110 km/h speed zones. Between 2018 and 2023, 1,787 people were killed or seriously injured in speed-related crashes. Speeding increases the chances of a crash and also the likelihood of serious injury or death in a crash.
In Australia, speeding fines and penalties are designed to improve safety on the roads. These include demerit points, fines, and, in some cases, licence suspension. Demerit points are given when road rules are broken, with the number varying depending on the offence and the state or territory. These demerit points may impact your car insurance premium. Different insurers consider demerit points differently when calculating premiums, and some do not consider them at all. However, if you do not tell your insurer that you have demerit points, they may choose to deny your claim. One type of insurance that is generally affected by demerit points is Compulsory Third Party (CTP) cover in New South Wales (NSW).
In Western Australia, drivers caught with a radar detector, radar jammer, or any device for evading speed cameras are subject to hefty penalties, even if the device is not switched on.
It is important to note that speeding tickets may also affect your insurance rates. While the impact may vary depending on the insurer and the severity of the offence, some people have reported significant increases in their monthly insurance premiums after receiving speeding tickets. These increases can last for several years.
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Speeding detection technology
Speeding is a serious issue in Australia, and the government and police are employing various technologies to combat it. The most commonly used speed detection technologies in Australia include radar, laser, and P2P technologies. Radar guns, LIDAR devices, and vehicle speedometers are used by police to monitor and enforce speed limits.
Fixed speed cameras are installed at high-risk locations, such as tunnels or areas with a history of severe crashes, to help reduce speeding and crashes. These cameras can monitor multiple lanes using radar technology or detectors placed in the road surface. If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, a digital picture is taken, and a fine is issued. Mobile speed cameras are also used, which can be moved to different locations at different times to enforce speed limits across the network.
Red-light speed cameras are another tool used at high-risk intersections to prevent crashes. These cameras use vehicle-tracking radar or electronic detectors in the road surface to measure speed and record when a vehicle runs a red light. Average speed cameras are being trialled in New South Wales to expand their use from heavy vehicles to light vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and utes.
To assist drivers in adhering to speed limits, Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) technology has been developed. ISA uses GPS to link to a speed zone database, allowing the vehicle to know its location and the applicable speed limit. The system provides visual and audio alerts to the driver if they exceed the speed limit.
In addition to speed detection, technology is also being used to address other road safety issues, such as driver fatigue. The SAFET1 research vehicle in NSW is testing driver monitoring systems that can measure a driver's level of fatigue before a trip, using cameras and sensors to track eyelid movement, head position, steering wheel movements, and lane position.
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Speeding and driver's licence suspension
Speeding is a major contributor to road crash fatalities and injuries in Australia. Speed limits are established to protect everyone on the road, and they are based on what is safe for the different types of roads and environments. In 2023, 41% of fatalities were in crashes in 110 km/h speed zones. Between 2018 and 2023, 1,787 people were killed or seriously injured in speed-related crashes. Speeding increases the likelihood of a crash and the severity of the crash.
In Australia, it is illegal to drive above the speed limit, and the penalty will depend on how fast you drive over the speed limit. Penalties for speeding include fines, demerit points, and, in some cases, licence suspension. Licence suspension can be imposed by the police or a court, and it means that you are temporarily prohibited from driving any vehicle that your licence allows you to drive. The suspension period will be specified, and you will not be able to drive until the suspension period ends. If your licence is cancelled, you will need to apply for a new licence.
If your licence is suspended by the police, the suspension will begin immediately, and you will not be able to drive away. The police can also choose to suspend your licence later, as long as it is within 48 hours of you being charged or receiving a penalty notice. If you are caught speeding by a speed camera, the police cannot suspend your licence immediately. Instead, you will receive a Notice of Suspension from Transport for NSW later. You have the right to appeal a licence suspension in court, and you can apply for a good behaviour period before your suspension starts.
If your licence is suspended by a court, the suspension will remain in place until your case is heard by a court. The court will take into account the time you have already spent on suspension when making its judgement. If your licence is cancelled by a court, you will need to reapply for a driver's licence at the end of the disqualification period. Driving while your licence is suspended or disqualified carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and vehicle impoundment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is illegal to drive over the speed limit in Australia. Speed limits are established to protect everyone on the road and are based on what is safe for different types of roads and environments.
If you are caught speeding in Australia, you will receive at least one speeding infringement. The penalty will depend on how fast you are driving over the speed limit. Penalties can include speeding fines, demerit points, and even licence suspensions.
Speed limits in Australia vary depending on the type of road and the state you are in. In general, the default speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, while in other areas, it is 100 km/h. School zones typically have a speed limit of 40 km/h, except in South Australia, where the limit is 25 km/h.
