Navigating the roads can be tricky, and even the most experienced drivers can find themselves on the wrong side of the law due to common misconceptions about road rules. A recent incident involving a Queensland driver has highlighted just how costly these misunderstandings can be, both to your wallet and your driving record.
The driver in question was slapped with a $322 fine and a demerit point for travelling at 69km/h in a 60km/h zone. The twist? They were mere metres away from a sign indicating an upcoming 100km/h zone, which was clearly visible in the speed camera photo that captured the violation. This has sparked a nationwide debate among motorists, with many calling into question the fairness of the penalty.
The Queensland driver resigned to their fate and expressed their intention to ‘probably just cop it’ and pay the fine. However, they also reached out to the community to see if anyone had successfully contested a similar penalty. ‘I just find the whole situation funny as,’ they wrote, highlighting the irony of being fined so close to a higher speed limit.
Under Australian law, speed limits are in effect until a new limit is officially signposted. This means that exceeding the speed limit, even if you’re just before a higher-speed zone, is still an offence. A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed to Yahoo News that the speed camera in question is operated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and that the law is clear on this matter.
Despite the clarity of the law, many Australians feel that the rule is ‘unfair’ and that speed cameras are strategically placed to ‘catch people out’ rather than promote public safety. ‘Bit of a sh*t spot to catch people. Pretty clear this isn’t for public safety,’ one commenter argued. Others shared their own experiences of being caught out in similar situations, with one driver recounting how they were fined just 10 metres from a 100km/h sign after beginning to accelerate.
The debate has attracted hundreds of responses, with many drivers expressing frustration over what they perceive as a trap. However, the law remains firm: the new speed limit does not apply until you physically pass the sign, and you must adjust your speed accordingly when approaching a change in the speed limit.
Interestingly, an excerpt from the state government’s Traffic Manual suggests that there are guidelines regarding where speed detection devices should not generally be used, such as within 100 metres before a speed limit increase. While this could potentially give the fined driver a case, it’s important to note that these are guidelines, not law, and therefore do not provide a guaranteed defence.
This incident highlights the importance of understanding and strictly following posted speed limits to avoid unexpected fines. While the law is clear, the debate over fairness continues among motorists.
What are your thoughts on this rule? Have you ever encountered a similar situation? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
Also read: Public safety concern: Driver with 90-year ban caught driving again
“This incident highlights the importance of understanding and strictly following posted speed limits to avoid unexpected fines.”
Gee, didn’t know that? So, If you exceed the speed limit that is a traffic offence?
That’s a bit unfair.
When did that rule come in?