When it comes to driving, there are some rules that seem like common sense, but are incredibly easy to forget.
One New South Wales driver learned this the hard way, ending up with a whopping $1775 in fines and a 3-month license suspension. Ouch!
The Infractions That Added Up
It all started when NSW Police pulled over a young driver on the Hume Highway at Breadalbane, a 110km/h zone. The driver, cruising in lane 2 of 2 at 90km/h, seemed to be ignoring the “Keep left unless overtaking” signs. But that was just the beginning.
Red Flags Everywhere
When police stopped the vehicle, they discovered that the driver was holding a Class C Learner licence, not the P1 licence indicated by the red P plates. To make matters worse, the driver was not accompanied by a fully licensed supervisor, as required by law. And to rub salt in the wound, there was a female passenger in the rear seat who held a P1 licence and could have been driving the vehicle instead.
The Consequences
The driver was slapped with three infringements: “Not display L plates”, “Drive in right lane where speed limit over 80kmh”, and “Learner not accompanied by licensed driver”. The total fine? A staggering $1775, plus four demerit points. And to top it off, the driver’s licence was suspended for three months.
The Real Lesson Here
Commenters on Facebook were quick to praise the police officers for enforcing laws against driving in the right lane, which is often overlooked. One commenter exclaimed, “Horray!! Great to see someone finally fined for travelling in the overtaking lane.” Another agreed, “Driving in [the] right-hand lane when not overtaking needs to [be] heavily policed on all vehicles.”
The Importance of Road Rules
This incident serves as a reminder to all drivers to brush up on the road rules and avoid costly mistakes. So, next time you’re cruising down the highway, remember to:
- Display your L plates correctly
- Stay out of the right lane unless you’re overtaking
- Ensure you’re accompanied by a fully licensed supervisor if you’re a learner driver
Don’t Let This Be You!
Take a cue from this driver’s expensive mistakes and make sure you’re following the rules of the road. Your wallet (and your license) will thank you.