How To Adult | Understand Traffic Offences

by Debby Xu (Legal Intern)

"Did a camera flash? Did I just drive past that red light? How many points do I have left?"
Do these questions often run through your mind?

Traffic offences! Often, the threat of a fine (which can put a real dent in our already draining cash flow), the idea of demerit points, or the possibility of suspension brings forth much dread.

We get you, friend. It really is the worst. Trust me. We've all been there.

Therefore, to prepare you for (or to remind you of) the REALITY of fines, demerit points, the horrible inconvenience of licence suspension – below are a table of common traffic offences, their demerit points and fines – to hopefully scare you into being more aware and to avoid speeding. Enjoy!

Traffic Offences
Fine  Demerit PointsDouble Demerits
Speeding by 1 to 10km/hr (for learner or provisional licence)$116 4Yes
Speeding by 10 to 20km/hr (for learner or provisional licence)$269 4Yes
Speeding by 1 to 10km/hr (other than a learner or provisional licence)$116 1Yes
Speeding by 10 to 20 km/hr (other than a learner or provisional licence)$116 1Yes
Speeding by over 20km/hr$462   4Yes
Speeding by over 30km/hr$884 5Yes
Speeding by over 45km/hr$2384 6Yes
Small Motorcycle Special Limit. Exceed speed 40km/hr after sunset$116
School Zone speeding by 1 to 10km/hr (for learner or provisional licence)$192 5Yes
School Zone speeding by 10 to 20km/hr (for learner or provisional licence)$346 5Yes
School Zone speeding by 1 to 10km/hr (other than a learner or provisional licence)$192 2Yes
School Zones speeding by 10 to 20 km/hr (other than a learner or provisional licence)$346 5Yes
School Zones speeding by over 20 km/hr$576 5Yes
School Zones speeding by over 30 km/hr$1115 6Yes
School Zones speeding by over 45 km/hr$2530 7Yes
Driver consuming alcohol while driving$330 3
Drive vehicle with TV/VDU image visible to driver$3303
Drive using mobile phone when not permitted (not L, P1 or P2)$3304Yes
Learner or provisional driver use mobile phone while driving$3304Yes
Run through red traffic light$4393
Disobey left/right turn (or no turn signs)$2572
Not give left/right change of direction signal with lights or if insufficient time to signal$1832
Failing to give way generally$3303
Park vehicle designated disability parking space$549
Not parking at specified angle (45, 90, 135)$110
Park outside metred space or after meter expired$110
Park vehicle in strata parking area etc. not at times/ not for time permitted$110
Failure to comply with parking direction$110


Information from Roads and Maritime Services: