The consequences for speeding in Queensland can vary from a relatively minor fine to licence suspension. If you are charged with a speeding offence, Russo Lawyers can assist you.
Speeding tends to be treated as a relatively innocuous crime — until it is not. Going too fast on the roads can result in serious injury to you, your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers, especially in a dense urban environment like Brisbane. For this reason, the consequences for speeding offences can quickly become severe; they include a hefty fine, demerit points against your licence and even a potential licence suspension, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
The dangers of speeding
Breaking the speed limit is no laughing matter. While we all find ourselves in a rush on the road from time to time, the consequences of egregious speeding can be deadly. According to Budget Direct, speeding is the number one behavioural factor that contributes to automobile-related injuries and deaths; occurring in just under one in three accidents. In Queensland alone, speed-related injuries and fatalities cost about $3.2 billion each year, according to the state government. In short, speed limits are in a place for a reason and should be obeyed.
Points and penalties
If concerns about harming yourself and others are not enough, the Queensland government also has serious penalties in effect for those who are caught speeding. Typically, punishment will include both a fine and demerit points. Demerit points are recorded against your licence, which may be revoked or sanctioned if you are given too many. For an open licence to be sanctioned, a driver must accrue 12 or more demerit points within a 3-year period. The limit for holders of a learner or provisional licence is far lower, with sanctioning occurring after only four points.
Understandably, the severity of the consequences increases based on the amount that a driver goes over the limit. If a driver exceeds the limit by less than 13 kilometres, for example, the punishment is a relatively limited $177 payment and one demerit point. Punishment increases from there, typically in intervals of 10, once a driver is over 20 kilometres an hour. The maximum penalty sets in once a driver has been caught going more than 40 kilometres an hour over the limit. The punishment in these cases includes a $1,245 payment, eight demerit points and a six-month licence suspension.
If a driver commits multiple high range speeding offences (exceeding 20km/h) in a 12-month span, they will incur double the demerit points, starting with the second offence. Fines and suspension lengths, however, remain unchanged for an additional offence.
Additionally, if your speeding results in an accident that leaves others injured or dead, you could be charged with additional crimes or may have to pay compensation to the victims. These cases can be far more costly than even the worst speeding tickets.
Handling a speeding charge
Once you have received notice of a speeding violation, you have a 28-day window to either pay the fine (which automatically adds the associated demerit points) or challenge it in court. While it is not always necessary, having legal representation can make a significant difference. Your legal representative can analyse your chances of a successful case and help you to navigate the bureaucracy of Queensland motor violations. If you’re facing additional criminal charges related to speeding, an expert solicitor can work to negotiate the best plea deal with the prosecution, possibly saving you months in prison or thousands of dollars in fines.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, consider Russo Lawyers for representation. Contact us today to learn more.
