We got points

Unluckyalf · 1 Sep 2007 at 11:27

Well we were told it was going to happen, and here in the Northern Territory we finally have a demerit points sytem (effective from today). First, speed limits were introduced in Jan and now this!

Its a similar 12 point system as in the UK with a few 'only in Australia' tweaks.

My favourite being the anti hooning offences:

Drive vehicle causing smoke when not in authorised event (burnouts) 3 points
Take part in event on road or public place (speed trials or races) 3 points
Drive vehicle causing damage to road or public place 3 points

Oh and speeding 45kmh over the limit gives you only 6 points, so if you are going to speed, then you may as well make a proper job of it

http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/mvr/licensing/infobulletins/ibl28.pdf

Dogbreath · 1 Sep 2007 at 12:13

Unluckyalf said:
Take part in event on road or public place (speed trials or races) 3 points

I assume this means an unorganised event, or is there a ban on all motorsports on public roads over there?

No-One · 1 Sep 2007 at 12:21

I guess it means street racing.

ste_bla · 1 Sep 2007 at 12:35

Well could be worse in NZ they take you car off you for 30 days if you caught burning out, racing etc

Unluckyalf · 1 Sep 2007 at 13:19

Dogbreath said:
I assume this means an unorganised event, or is there a ban on all motorsports on public roads over there?

Basically, traffic light burnouts and doughnuts in the street. Organised stuff is fine and we do have a race track nearby for all that anyway

silversurfer · 1 Sep 2007 at 13:26

So how far away is your local autobahn now then

Dogbreath · 1 Sep 2007 at 13:47

Reading through the document it still looks quite lenient compared to the UK. "Racing on the public highway" over here is a very serious offence:

"Penalty - A fine not exceeding level four on the standard scale. Obligatory disqualification. Obligatory endorsement - licence endorsed three to eleven penalty points."

Level 4 is currently £2500.

Also looks like you can get a second chance after reaching 12 points, where you can optionaly be given another 2 points for the next year to make you behave.

Unluckyalf · 1 Sep 2007 at 14:00

Dogbreath said:
Reading through the document it still looks quite lenient compared to the UK. "Racing on the public highway" over here is a very serious offence:

"Penalty - A fine not exceeding level four on the standard scale. Obligatory disqualification. Obligatory endorsement - licence endorsed three to eleven penalty points."

Level 4 is currently £2500.

Also looks like you can get a second chance after reaching 12 points, where you can optionaly be given another 2 points for the next year to make you behave.

It is very lenient here even with the new points system. Its just going to be tough on the Territitorians though as its a system they have never had. I have only been here for a little over a year from the UK. Fines are still relatively low despite being doubled in the new year and its still way less than you would get anywhere else in Australia.
The 2nd chance thing is a good idea though but wont help the one guy who has been booked for speeding 47 times in the last 3 years (he is in the stats buthasnt yet been named and shamed).

Oh and njo Autobahns here of course, just single carriageway roads once you get out of town and a 130kph limit (was unlimited).

Racing cars on the roads here is part of the way of life, just as drink driving is. Both highly dangerous on a public road of course, especially when combined, but there doesnt seem to be a big effort to stop it. As you can see. DUI (albeit just over the limit) only attracts 3 points.