From today, police have the power to immediately disqualify the licence of a driver committing an extreme speed offence.
Following laws passed in state parliament in December 2021, a person driving at extreme speed or causing death by use of a motor vehicle can now be issued with a notice of disqualification or suspension under the criminal law consolidation act.
The new laws also mean that motorists convicted of driving at an extreme speed can be jailed for up to three years and face a mandatory minimum two-year licence disqualification for a first offence. The licence disqualification period is increased to five years for a subsequent offence.
Extreme speed is defined as driving at 55km/hr or more above the limit in a zone marked 60 or less, or 80km/hr or more above the limit in a zone marked above 60.
In certain circumstances, the maximum penalty is up to five years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum licence disqualification for five years.
Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge Traffic Services Branch said the penalties for extreme speed are consistent with the criminal nature of the offence and reflect the high level of danger posed by such an irresponsible act.
“These penalties send a strong message to people who choose to threaten the safety of other innocent members of the community by driving at extreme speed.
“Driving in a way that endangers lives is a criminal act and will be treated as such by police, ” Supt Gray said.
