Pulled over by NSW police at roundabout

UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 05:28
Last edited 19/08/2014 - 05:50

Last weekend (sunday) I was pulled over by NSW police while having an afternoon driving with my wife in the outskirt of ACT. I waited at a roundabout (6 o'clock position) properly to let go the traffic of right hand side, then as soon as I entered, a NSW squad car entered from 12 o'clock at HIGH SPEED taking a turn to 9 o'clock (I admit, I did not see it entering, wife did but it was too late then. It just came out of nowhere). This resulted in the squad car being few meters behind me while I was completing my turn to 3 o'clock.

The lone officer decided to follow my car and at the exit signaled to pull over. After the mandatory breathe test (returned 0.00 alcohol), he asked for license, I gave him my overseas driving license. He asked if I've got Australian license, I said no. Then he asked if I'm a resident or student. Upon hearing that I'm an International PhD student at an ACT Uni, he shook his head and off went with my license to the squad car. He took a good 5 minutes to do whatever with my license and later came back with it, along with advise that I need to be more careful. Fortunately there was no fine!

Now I'm curious to know -

  1. What was he doing with my license in his squad car for so long? I mean he could have a look at it by standing by my car.
  2. Is there any first time offender database he put me on?
  3. Was he checking my claims by accessing Aus gov database?
  4. Am I going to get an warning letter in mail?
  5. And more importantly, did I actually break any law?

I should finish by saying that, the entire roundabout became dead for those 6-7 minutes (it was not an important one though), there was no car approaching the cop's position. ;)

Automotive

closed Comments

  • YouLIKEyouLICK on 19/08/2014 - 05:42
    +58

    Nothing happened he can't book you, he was just checking if your a terrorist.

      • snappy1234 on 19/08/2014 - 05:56
        +22

        What! But have not they conducted enough security check while granting visa?

        Relax bargainaus… you know AUSSIE HUMOUR…or maybe you just got me too haha ;)

        Maybe he was checking if you were a member of that cult- OZB

        ;)

      • edgar28 on 19/08/2014 - 15:53
        -6

        Just check how long you been in Australia, in WA, international driver license only valid for 1 month from entry to country, the license might be valid for 3 years but only allow to use for 1 month.

        • bonezAU on 20/08/2014 - 10:23
          +8

          No sorry, that is wrong. In WA (and many other states), you can drive for as long as you like on your international license as long as you remain a temporary resident and your license remains valid. As soon as you become an Australian permanent resident you have 3 months to obtain a WA license.

          http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-from-overs…

          Whoever told you the 1 month thing is talking garbage.

        • edgar28 on 20/08/2014 - 16:39
          -1

          @bonezAU:

          high school representative 15 years ago…..
          I would not scold him, he already passed away, RIP.

        • Daabido on 20/08/2014 - 20:35
          +2

          @bonezAU: The idiocy of this rule allowing people to effectively permanently drive on their foreign license is ridiculous. I have trained many people with a foreign license who couldn't drive and were dangerous to others on the road. In Malaysia, for instance, you can get your license just by paying a big enough bribe. It should be a requirement to get your Australian license within 3 months I beleive.

        • edgar28 on 21/08/2014 - 11:43
          +2

          @Daabido:
          indonesia would be worse…..

        • bonezAU on 21/08/2014 - 14:24
          +1

          @edgar28:@Daabido:

          LOL. The reason I know so much about this is because my wife is Indonesian and she drives around Perth on her foreign license.
          I agree with Daabido too, I don't think you should just be able to rock up and start driving - it's very dangerous and different in a lot of cases.

          I insisted my mrs have some proper lessons with an instructor before she drove on major roads/freeways. She's comfortable driving everywhere now and is in the process of getting a WA license.

          She won't even drive back in Indonesia now… every time we go for a holiday we just pay family/friends to drive us everywhere.

    • diddy50 on 20/08/2014 - 22:16
      +1

      Team Australia!

    • nikey2k27 on 22/08/2014 - 08:30

      I love terrorist idea but it would have been visa database can take a long time to check in cop car or have radio up base they most like would have check your visa.

  • 01011010 on 19/08/2014 - 06:35
    +5

    if you entered the roundabout first and it was safe to do so, then you did not break any laws.

    http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/roadrules/roundabouts.h…

    as to what he was doing for 5 minutes. who knows. can cops check visa status?
    He didn't specifically say you were getting a warning or anything, so I wouldn't expect anything else of this.

    • modsec802 on 19/08/2014 - 13:17
      +4

      Yes they can check visa status by immigration hotline

  • Colombian on 19/08/2014 - 07:04
    +5

    Relax, it's all OK. I'm an international student and I have been pulled over by Police 3 times. Just show them my country's licence and that's it. They go to their car to check some details like visa status or if you have broken the law before.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 07:30
    +3

    Why did he shake his head when you told him you're an international PhD student? Weird.

    • woodwa on 19/08/2014 - 07:44
      +23

      Some people are just $%^holes

      • Davros on 19/08/2014 - 07:51

        Some people get over excited about nothing

    • Austin 316 on 19/08/2014 - 08:11
      +7

      Because he knew his chances of earning some money (fine money) are less now

      • sparkles on 19/08/2014 - 09:22
        +28

        Because he thought he might find an illegal person. Joe Hockey personally sends the cops a slab of beer for each one they catch.

        • one man clan on 19/08/2014 - 11:22
          +33

          @xywolap: have to love the inability of anyone on this website to get a joke

      • johnno07 on 21/08/2014 - 14:23
        +1

        Yes. Because cops make commissions on fines they hand out. What a stupid thing to say.

    • centrelink on 19/08/2014 - 21:37

      Because your took his job

      • timmypete on 20/08/2014 - 10:20

        Let me guess…. your next argument will be Learn to speak English?

      • Devils Advocate on 20/08/2014 - 19:26
        +4

        Derk a derrrr!

    • thejew on 20/08/2014 - 19:32
      +1

      He knows getting a doctorate in Australia takes years of full time study, but you dont have an Australian drivers licence. this is a problem.

  • mskram on 19/08/2014 - 07:59

    Probably checking the licence in the computer, not sure for what. Maybe he was checking your claims.
    Either way, nothing went wrong with so you seem to be in the clear.
    As for whether you broke the law, it doesn't sound like you did. Did he have his sirens on?

    • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 12:36

      Nope. As soon as I saw his light came on behind my car, I parked on the side.

  • Amaris on 19/08/2014 - 08:35
    +7

    When given an overseas licence Police do checks to see if you have an Aussie one as well as driving on an overseas is illegal then. I don't think they have access to immigration databases.

    • modsec802 on 19/08/2014 - 13:15
      -3

      There's a hotline they call. Probably why it took about 5 mins.

      • KMeister on 19/08/2014 - 18:28
        +5

        This is wrong! no such thing exist. When it comes to immigration status inquiries, either by local police or AFP, they have to go through an authorized gateway. It's not like a simple price check from Coles! Privacy rules applies, it is illegal for the immigration department to share information unless there's an explicit legal request.

  • Davo1111 on 19/08/2014 - 08:47
    -1

    He shook his head because in NSW you're required to get a nsw drivers license after 3? months of living in Aus. It appears in ACT you don't

    EDIT: nevermind. both are 3 months

    • Amaris on 19/08/2014 - 09:35
      +1

      You do not have to get a NSW licence when you are a temporary resident. Even if the OP was in NSW he would not have had to get one unless he became a permanent resident.

    • RockyRaccoon on 19/08/2014 - 09:50
      +1

      Actually I dont know if its changed, but the law had been, that you are required to get a NSW license when you "INTEND" to reside in NSW.

      BTW the law on roundabouts is simple. Giveway to cars already on the roundabout.

      If you were on the roundabout first you have right of way even over cars on your right.

      The issue of course is how do you prove that you were there first, some say if you get struck behind the drivers door that is primafacie evidence you were there first, but if they were going at high speed then that would have to be factored in.

      Like everything witnesses would be helpful, otherwise it's always better to be safe and wait.

      This is for others info, as the OP stated, he couldnt use discretion when he never saw the fast approaching car until after entering the roundabout.

      • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 12:45
        +5

        I was going to say,"Hey officer, you were coming so fast, I did not see you!". Then I remembered an old proverb of never lecturing to police, wised up and kept my mouth shut. :D

        Personally I think roundabouts are riskier than intersections.

        • scotty on 19/08/2014 - 13:22
          +2

          Roundabouts are riskier only because many people aren't familiar with the rules. I'll think intersections with stop-signs are more risky if the drivers aren't familiar with the roads.

        • McFly on 19/08/2014 - 17:52
          +2

          Roundabouts are much more safe and efficient.
          Although if only people would realise the law is not give way to the right….

        • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 18:16
          +2

          @McFly:

          I believe it depends on the traffic density on that point. If density is low then roundabouts, if high then signaled intersections.

        • tinx on 20/08/2014 - 10:32

          when i went to u.s.a for holiday. they have this intersection with all way sign.

          so no roundabout no traffic light.

          you need to stop and give way to whichever car arrive at the intersection first.

          obviously this only work at countryside where not many car entering intersection at a time.

          i rather use roundabout than that kind of intersection :)

        • mrmarkau67 on 20/08/2014 - 10:35
          +5

          @bargainaus: Roundabouts are almost always safer. Even if you have a collision is much less likely to be fatal, due to the likely angles. Most fatalities at intersections are due to someone missing a signal and smashing into the side of someone or a pedestrian.

        • zeomega on 20/08/2014 - 12:46
          +1

          @McFly:

          Roundabouts are much more safe and efficient cheaper than a set of lights for the government.

          FTFY

        • UncommonName on 20/08/2014 - 15:50

          @mrmarkau67:

          Hmm, interesting point though.

        • ozkiwi75 on 21/08/2014 - 12:18
          +1

          @zeomega: Whilst your comment is true that roundabouts are cheaper, the form of intersection control is usually dictated by traffic flows (now and future predicted). Roundabouts generally work best when the flows from all directions are about the same.

        • p1 ama on 21/08/2014 - 20:33

          What do you mean by riskier? That in itself is a pretty ill-defined word.

          Perhaps it is more likely to get involved in an accident at a roundabout, but it would probably be less likely to be a fatal accident or one that involves any sort of injury. Most collisions in a roundabout result in nothing more than damage to your vehicle because of the slow speeds you're travelling at inside the roundabout and the angles involved.

          Intersections (i.e. ones with traffic lights) aren't always ideal, especially for residential roads with little traffic. A traffic light signal cycle can take a few minutes to cycle through, which means you can end up waiting for 2 - 3 minutes whereas a roundabout means no waiting if there aren't any other cars, which is usually the case with non-aterial roads.

  • IIGnomeII on 19/08/2014 - 08:51
    +2

    They have a computer in the car so he would of been checking your name out to make sure that you are not wanted on any other infringements.
    The details on your int. drivers licence could also possibly be linked to your passport and he would of checked out the plates to make sure that was all legit as well.

    Standard procedure really, trying to get you on something cause the guy was annoyed.

  • mini2 on 19/08/2014 - 09:32

    Hang on a sec, outskirt of ACT? Queanbeyan cops?

    Are they even within their own jurisdiction to pull you over….ie crossed into ACT state line.

    • timmypete on 19/08/2014 - 11:22

      In some border areas in Australia the local coppers are often also accredited as a special constable in the adjoining jurisdiction for this sort of scenario (or pursuing someone over the border).

      This said, round QBN it is easy to get confused as to whether you're still in the ACT or not. For example, the road to Bungedore/Batemans Bay (Kings Hwy/B52) starts in the ACT, crosses into NSW, before returning to the ACT for a while, then goes back into NSW again. Its possible the OP was actually in NSW and didn't realise.

    • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 12:47
      +1

      Yep, Queanbeyan cops and that roundabout falls into NSW.

  • mskeggs on 19/08/2014 - 09:37
    +3

    Assuming you will be here a while, you should look into getting an ACT license.
    If the law says you need to, I wouldn't like to be relying on my insurance if you had a crash.

    • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 12:51

      If I stay as an international student for the rest of my PhD, I would not need an Australian licence according to the law. Most student I know follows this path. Although getting an Australian license is helpful as it works as an identity doc also.

      • pluelp on 19/08/2014 - 15:18
        -1

        As far as i know (can't be bothered looking it up lol) students are only allowed to drive with an overseas license for 3 months after arrival. You also need a certified translated copy if it's not in English. You will need to get an Australian license if you intend to drive beyond that period. i've heard of a few friends getting fined because of this and it was about 600 dollars with those two offences . That being said, a lot of overseas students i know do that too and have never been caught. Some people i know had lied that they just got here and they manage to get away with it. Bit of luck really but i think it's good that they make people go through the process of getting or converting to Australian license because the rules are slightly different. Many times i've been stuck behind people who dont turn right when opposing traffic is clear at the lights. Pretty annoying.

        As getting pulled over, cops do that pretty often if they have a reason to be suspicious so you might not have done anything wrong, more of a random check. I've been pulled over once for driving a relative's car because the owner of the vehicle has an expired license, which i think is fair enough. My friend told me her husband was pulled over once for driving her car simply because the registered owner is female.

        • FirstWizard on 19/08/2014 - 15:44
          +6

          Well I'm an international PhD student my self, and have been using the International license for more than 2 years now. as far as the law goes in NSW you can use your international license as long as you're on a temporary resident visa.(Provided it's in English or you have a translation)

          Temporary residents Driving in NSW

          But if you decide that you want a NSW license, you can only do so after continuously residing in Australia for 6 months. even then the new license is marked with a 'Q' and is only valid for 1 year. The thing also says you can surrender this license any time and go back to using your overseas license if you're still on Temporary resident visa.

          Getting an NSW license for Temporary residents

  • Shadow54 on 19/08/2014 - 09:48
    -1

    From the way you state the case, it seems the copper was travelling too fast and in a somewhat reckless manner, then thought he would "prove" what a man he is by pulling you over and intimidating you instead of apologising for driving like a dcikhead.

    • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 12:53

      Should I have reminded him that? :D

    • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2014 - 12:08

      Complain to the Minister for Police and the Ombudsman

      • UncommonName on 21/08/2014 - 12:24

        No complain, it was Sunday and cops are very busy on weekends. Random checks should be done regularly. I only posted this out of curiosity as to why it took him 5 minutes to check my license.

  • kwaker on 19/08/2014 - 10:33
    +6

    he was trying to figure out a way to fine you but came up empty handed, just being a power tripper.

    • Cheeper on 19/08/2014 - 10:37
      -4

      Rubbish.

    • kwaker on 19/08/2014 - 11:06

      well if he wasn't charged or fined, what is the reason?

    • UncommonName on 19/08/2014 - 13:01
      +10

      Your reply incites some political issues which was never intended by my post. At the end he did not find anything on me and let me go clean. And I'm not complaining either, I only posted out of curiosity as to what was he doing with my license for so long, that's it.

      I have been pulled over before for random breathe tests and all the cops were nice, including this one. Its no shame to admit that Aussie police works better than the country I came from. :)

    • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 22:50
      -4

      Hi mate
      I get your point but …

  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 11:10

    I think they'll also enter into their computer the offence you committed. Like say if you had a broken taillight, they'll record that and if you get pulled over again, they can check the records that you haven't fixed your taillight (assuming you never bothered to), they'll fine you.

    That's just one example

  • Ughhh on 19/08/2014 - 11:17
    +1

    Were you in the round about for a long time? Taking your sweet ass time to make the turn? Some people do that, they should be off the roads.

    • pauper on 19/08/2014 - 11:24

      lol … I can remember few occasions where I have experienced that.

  • Azn310 on 19/08/2014 - 13:42

    For international students from countries where license is in foreign language. You will need to carry a legitimate translation with your license. In situations like these, if your license is not translated, you will be in trouble.

  • ukmark on 19/08/2014 - 13:46
    +13

    It is simple what he was doing, as already mentioned by others on here. He was checking to see if you already had an Aus licence, or should have one. It is a known ploy of overseas people to produce their overseas licence when pulled over by the cops, because they cannot put points on an overseas licence. Also, some people drive on an overseas licence after their Aus licence is suspended.

    Just because you told him you were an international student and not a permenant resident, doesn't mean that he should believe you.

    My British driving licence got defaced by the RTA when I got my Aus licence. A big pink stamp (the ink was red, but on green paper it looks pink) saying I cannot use it to drive in Aus. Obviously, I could just get a new licence in the UK - but no point really.

  • smpantsonfire on 19/08/2014 - 15:02

    Standard procedure, all of it , bar the pulling you over.

  • thaner on 19/08/2014 - 16:14

    Australian Police can't track other countries Drivers Licence they have no right to do so let alone there is no international database for Drivers Licences. In addition Police can not confiscate your drivers licence from you if its issued by another country but it doesn't stop them to disqualify or suspend you. Mostly u did nothing wrong I am working as a field technician and I travel a lot sometimes late nights as well. 9 out to 10 times I got puled over by police if I travel country as if they have my licence place and bounty on my head, owning a jet black Corolla with tinted windows doesn't help:)

    • johnno07 on 21/08/2014 - 14:42

      All the bad boys drive black Corollas.

  • ITveteran on 19/08/2014 - 16:49

    You should be happy that policeman was civilised. Some are just finding excuses to harvest revenue.

  • windrc on 19/08/2014 - 18:30

    He was probably having a smoko whiles wasting your time. Much like how they enjoy doing RBT at peak hours.

  • James987 on 19/08/2014 - 19:15
    +3

    He just ran a check to see if all was legit with you. As you were truthful and no real crime had been commited he just let you go. Its all good. I have been pulled over many times, license checked and off I go. Good old Aussie coppers…

    • Davo1111 on 20/08/2014 - 00:44
      +9

      ironically adding no value to the thread.

    • johnno07 on 21/08/2014 - 14:45
      -1

      Thanks for that insight, 001525. There have been dozens of comments, on both sides of the fence, but apparently everyone is wrong.

  • Tech5 on 20/08/2014 - 11:31
    +1

    It's not technically give way to the right. The rule is you have to give way to anyone already in the round about. Since you entered first, the cop car has to give way and slow down

    • Cheeper on 21/08/2014 - 10:52

      It is give way to the right on a roundabout… unless the other car is far enough away to safely proceed. The op may have pulled out too close in front of the cop car… we don't know.

    • lplau on 21/08/2014 - 10:52
      -1

      It maybe different for NSW and VIC but in VIC you MUST give way to a cop car no matter what.
      I spoke to a examiner for licencing and they said if safe you must give way.

      Which is why you should always listen for siren sounds, if there is a siren sound, drive slower and work out where the siren is comming from.

      Its the same with giving way to funeral cars… under law you must give way to them no matter what. Not sure why… as they aren't really in a rush to get anywhere.

      • timmypete on 21/08/2014 - 12:15
        +1

        It maybe different for NSW and VIC but in VIC you MUST give way to a cop car no matter what.
        I spoke to a examiner for licencing and they said if safe you must give way.

        They were wrong. Australian Road rule 79 (which applies to VIC, in your case, and ACT/NSW in OP's case) says this applies only when they are displaying a displaying a flashing blue, red or magenta light. You can check this in the full Victorian road rules, and OP has given no indication in his posts or replies that the copper was driving with emergency lights. Assuming this is the case - especially as he wouldn't have had the time to stop the OP - the normal rules apply to a police car not displaying flashing lights.

        Its the same with giving way to funeral cars… under law you must give way to them no matter what.

        Incorrect for Victoria. The rule is NSW only, and perhaps I'm nitpicking, but the rule doesn't say you must give way, merely that you cannot interfere with, or interrupt, the free passage along any length of road of any funeral cortege or authorised procession, or any vehicle or person apparently forming part of the cortege or procession.

        • UncommonName on 21/08/2014 - 12:27
          +1

          The cop car was not flashing anything until it started to follow my car, just a cop on his way…

  • X3 on 20/08/2014 - 14:57
    +2

    As I understand it, its give way to your right and whoever's already in the roundabout. The two are not mutually exclusive.

    Of course, in the event of an accident, everything's out the window because arguing abt who was in the roundabout first wld just go round and round (pun intended).

    As for the OP's questions, there's prob nothing to worry about. If u were going to be fined for something, they would've done it on the spot.

    The police have a tough job and I'm sure the majority of them are good guys but I'm also equally sure some of them are absolute a$$holes. You were prob just unlucky to get the latter that day.

    Oh and worrying abt being on govt database….geezuz, every one of us are probably in about a billion databases. Thank you WWW !

  • Meowcat on 20/08/2014 - 15:35
    +4

    Old mate was probably shaking his head as he knew it was gonna take ages to clarify your international licence with the database.

    noworriesm8

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2014 - 23:42
    +4

    Pulled over by a cop and no fine? That's a bargain!

  • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2014 - 12:10

    Was he really a cop? Did he show his badge?

    • UncommonName on 21/08/2014 - 12:28

      I did not ask as he was in a NSW squad car. I don't think imposters will go that far!

  • p1 ama on 21/08/2014 - 20:28
    +1

    What was he doing with my license in his squad car for so long? I mean he could have a look at it by standing by my car.

    Probably just checking to see if it was a legitimate license. They do the same with Australian licenses sometimes, but obviously take much less time, probably because it takes longer for them to verify your international one.

    Is there any first time offender database he put me on?

    No, if you committed an offence, he would have notified you.

    Was he checking my claims by accessing Aus gov database?

    No, he wouldn't care.

    Am I going to get an warning letter in mail?

    No, unless he said you would.

    And more importantly, did I actually break any law?

    Not unless he said you did.

  • UncommonName on 12/12/2014 - 20:45
    +2

    Update: Got my Australian full license today. Went through the logbook system (ACT) and the instructor was satisfied with the minimum 6 hr required. No more annoyed looks from cops when they pull me over next time! ;)

    Those who don't know, If you are not Australian citizen or permanent resident and on a temporary visa, you can drive on your overseas license as long as it is valid and written in English.

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