13 Demerit Points in 2025

LBigfellaborham on 21/04/2025 - 19:19
Last edited 23/04/2025 - 16:28

Thirteen demerit points in NSW is increasingly unfair in today’s context, where speed cameras are virtually on every corner. With such dense camera coverage, even minor, unintentional infractions—like being slightly over the limit for a few seconds—are heavily penalised. This creates a system that punishes frequency over severity and disproportionately impacts safe drivers who make occasional human errors. The system should reflect intent and danger, not revenue-raising through constant surveillance.

On top of that, the amount of police who just park with their radar gun at a spot where the speed limit randomly changes from 80 to 50 to catch people who don’t reduce speed on the spot, which seems more dangerous. Oh and let’s no forget those speed traps they setup in areas where the speed limit changes dramatically all of a sudden. Just saving lives, I guess.

EDIT: interesting feedback. The general consensus among our friends is that everyone is cruising around with about 10 demerit points from picking up the kids and driving to work. All professionals with families holding down good jobs. The OzBargain feedback seems to be tough bickies, you criminal.

EDIT 2: interesting cross section of society we have here on the OzBargain forum. Never met real life people that act so righteous. Curious to know if you’re just like this online or if in real life someone says ‘oh 13 demerit points doesn’t seem like much considering there’s speed cameras on every second block’ and then in real life you guys just launch into a big ol spiel about being the best driver in the world.

Poll Options

  • 137
    Unfair
  • 830
    Fair
Automotive

Comments

  • Cluster on 22/04/2025 - 10:43

    My last speeding fine was in 2000. 70 in a 60 zone. That's it. I do around 30,000km per year so it's not like I stay home all day.

    It can be done. You can do it too. I don't pussyfoot around on the roads 10km/h under the speed limit either.

  • KangaDrew on 22/04/2025 - 10:48

    police who just park with their radar gun at a spot where the speed limit randomly changes from 80 to 50

    "Randomly"? If there's a sign that say 50 and you were initially sitting on 80, that's not random. It's literally telling you that the speed drops smh 🤦🏻‍♂️

    Keep crying in premium unleaded 😭

    • Bigfellaborham on 23/04/2025 - 16:48

      What’s that even mean

      • KangaDrew on 23/04/2025 - 17:22

        looks for a crayon to spell out the definition of "random"

  • Shane034 on 22/04/2025 - 10:48
    +3

    i don't have a problem with the infringements themselves. but the financial penalties for minor ones are getting a bit insane.

  • EightImmortals on 22/04/2025 - 11:45
    -2

    "The OzBargain feedback seems to be tough bickies, you criminal."

    It's never been any different though, OB is like normy-central for Australia.

    "This creates a system that punishes frequency over severity and disproportionately impacts safe drivers who make occasional human errors. The system should reflect intent and danger, not revenue-raising through constant surveillance."

    There is an actual term for this, it's called 'anarcho-tyranny', look it up, here are a couple of highlights.

    Anarcho-tyranny is a term coined by the late American writer Samuel T. Francis to describe a political condition where the government is both excessively authoritarian and simultaneously fails to enforce fundamental laws that protect citizens and maintain order.
    Definition in Simple Terms:

    Anarcho-tyranny = Anarchy for criminals + Tyranny for law-abiding citizens
    ⚖️ Key Features:

    Selective Law Enforcement

    Authorities are harsh on technicalities or minor infractions (e.g., parking fines, tax errors) while being lenient or ineffective in dealing with serious crimes like theft, violence, or riots.

Loss of Rule of Law

    Laws are inconsistently or ideologically enforced, undermining trust in justice systems.

Surveillance and Control of Civilians

    Increased government monitoring, censorship, and regulations targeting law-abiding citizens.

Neglect of Basic Duties

    The government fails in its primary responsibilities like public safety, border control, or crime prevention.

    Anarcho-tyranny is the worst of both worlds: oppressive governance where law-abiding people are burdened, and criminal or destabilizing behavior is tolerated or ignored.

    If anyone has a better description of we are going through ATM I'd love to hear it….but I wont hold my breath.

    • Miami Mall Alien on 22/04/2025 - 14:52
      +2

      Interesting concept and it definitely covers Australia quite well.

      Australia is tailor-made for three categories of people: career bureaucrats (i.e. white-collar criminals), the obscenely wealthy or members of organised crime groups (so long as the authorities aren't looking to score cheap political points and lock up some some low-level bikies for a publicity stunt); everyone else can basically eat sh*t and die according to the status quo mindset.

      Which is much like what Australia was as a penal colony, a combination of: criminals, legally-protected criminals (the British Empire and its administrators) and already-wealthy industrialists/corporations looking to exploit the land to further enrich themselves. Everyone else was basically considered a subhuman that deserved nothing from the powers that be (Aboriginals, independent settlers, colonist families, farmers, immigrant labourers, etc).

      The government fails in its primary responsibilities like public safety, border control, or crime prevention.

      All of those items are a f**king luxury in today's Australia as our government of the day can't even provide the bottom level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs for a majority of the population, e.g. housing ownership and a cost of living that doesn't require being in the top 25% of earners to actually sustain long-term.

    • Bigfellaborham on 23/04/2025 - 16:49
      +1

      Agreed

  • airtime on 22/04/2025 - 12:12
    +2

    I drive 6-7 days per week in Sydney. Been doing so for many decades bar a few stints overseas. Based on your comment I should have racked up many unavoidable demerit points and fines.

    Yet, none. Count me as 1 data point that suggests your hypothesis is incorrect.

    I'll let you in on a few little secrets: drive within the speed limit, obey traffic lights (yes, that includes that pesky yellow one that nearly everyone ignores), turn your head and look when changing lanes, give way as required by the road rules. In summary, don't be a dangerous, selfish shit when driving.

    As others have mentioned: if you receive a speeding fine, it is very likely that you were driving 10+km/h over the limit as indicated by your vehicle's speedometer. ADRs specify speedometers read over the actual speed of the vehicle.

  • hazzad on 22/04/2025 - 12:38
    +1

    Been driving since I was 18 and turn 52 this year, so 34 years on the road. In that time I've only gotten one speeding fine and one mobile use fine. I spend a good 3-4 hours a day driving my car around Melbourne for work. Go through dozens of speed traps, fixed cameras a day. I do my utmost best to always keep to the speed limit and to this point have been lucky even when I've accidently jump above a speed limit for a short run when I miss a speed limit. Touch wood I've been lucky but I see it every day people who put and out ignore the speed limit on freeways. I'm cruising at speed limit and dozens of cars pass on by. Either to much money or to little sense.

  • tasty-falafel on 22/04/2025 - 12:48

    It's the law and unfortunately you broke it and have to face the consequences. Moving forward, play smarter - download Waze and use it for all trips, it will point out both fixed as well as mobile cameras on your driving routes. Use the technology in your car to assist - if you have adaptive cruise control then use it where you can. At a minimum use normal cruise control on highways where you are more likely to come across a mobile speed camera.

  • addict on 22/04/2025 - 13:02
    +1

    coming from overseas where unless you were doing 10over the limit you would get honked at, coming here it was tough with demerit points.

    most years I was fluctuating over 10points, then from 2014 to 2022 I was playing the 12 point game, where i would get fines, but delay paying them,so that points would come off before the new ones were added.. it was very stressfull. However in 2022 I mistimed some of my payments and got that extra point that took me over the edge. at that points I took the option for good behaviour and avoided driving whenever I could.

    That being it was a tough lesson and wake up call as I needed the license for my job and to get around.

    Since then I practice the following..
    -> turn on waze everytime I go out, make sure its visible when driving on a mount with volume on loud. you can adjust what gets spoken.
    -> stay behind annoyingly speed limit drivers (dont overtake them as much as you want to)
    -> stay in the lower gear, it will force you to go slower
    -> start sharing driving the long drives (I use to always offer)
    -> I tried the nsw speed advisor app, but waze worked better. others swear by it.
    -> on a side note, I also got diagnosed with ADHD around the same time, which having lots of points is common. However the meds made it so the distractability/running late/need to rush happened less.

    Since then, I got 1 point in 2023 for speeding right after I got my full license back, which was just removed due to the NSW demerit point releaf scheme. This is first time I have had 0 points since after my good behaviour. The good behaviour option was actually the best thing that could happen because after your good behaviour period you go down to 0 points, and there is no impact to your insurance/license, no waiting 3 years, etc. although I dont recomend it intentially building points, its a good way to get a restart.

    So although I somewhat agree with you. its doable to reduce your points. and it does help the state pay for things, which I know I would contributer far more than my fair share for!

    Good luck on your journey!

  • Hangryuman on 22/04/2025 - 13:05

    looks like BigFella from BoreThem posted this thread to engage in competitive push-back - maybe rainy day stuff

    in my observations of crime videos the ones who complain loudest about being caught by police ("I pay your wages", "I'll SUE YOU!", "catching small traffic breaches not chasing real criminals!") are typically habitual repeat offenders so used to breaking the law that they can start to think they have a right to break the law.

    perhaps larger than average body bully types used to intimidating others to get their habitual way, who when stopped by actual law enforcement are likely to arc up and feign outrage.

    in a guilt-based society like Australia, you try not to get caught, but if you do get caught, you pay the price and don't act like a Princess Diva about it. Next … !

  • Jase83 on 22/04/2025 - 13:09
    +5

    TLDR: Serial speeder refuses to take responsibility for own choices behind the wheel

  • TrumpisKing on 22/04/2025 - 13:25
    -2

    Funny how in some countries in Europe there isn't any speed limit on the highways/ not enforced.
    Don't hear of cars smashing into each other everyday over there……funny that

    • Protractor on 22/04/2025 - 13:54
      +2

      They aren't the same immature bogan,entitled, idiots who dominate the road(and internet) as per Straya.

    • gromit on 22/04/2025 - 14:11
      +2

      Europe has more speed cameras per kilometre of road then Australia, The autobahn has higher accident and fatality rates on sections that have no speed limits. accident rates are still quite low regardless, but they are by no means non existent.

      some numbers for you. The autobahn alone accounts for around 800 deaths per year, so yes fatal accidents are literally happening every day on it. It accounts for about 25% of german road fatalities.

    • Euphemistic on 22/04/2025 - 14:15
      +2

      I dont hear about cars smashing into each other in a lot of local locations everyday either. Unless its a mass pileup, we dont get stories about crashes from overseas.

      If you want, you can go look at crash statistics rather than spouting an opinion withoht any factual numbers.

  • duluxe2000 on 22/04/2025 - 13:30
    -3

    I can relate to OP. This is not about fair or unfair. This is about the balance between safety and the increased cost on the road. If traddie get more fine, they pass the cost to everyone. And if they are disqualified, it increases the shortage of traddie hence increase the cost. Increasing fines also discourage people going out, hurting hospitality.

    Ozbargainers seems to be in the group of wfh. With this group, I think reducing to 7pts is appropriate . With other groups whose likelihood depending on the road, I think it should increase to 18pts . Lol

    • jmsu on 22/04/2025 - 18:44
      +1

      Lol no the more you spend on the road, the safer you should be, so if anything it should be fewer points for professional drivers.

      E.g. if you're a taxi driver or bus driver, you should be safer than an average driver because it is your job to transport hundreds or thousands of people around regularly - their lives are in your hands.

  • overthinking on 22/04/2025 - 13:42

    ChatGPT rage bait, well done everyone

    • belongsinforums on 22/04/2025 - 18:05

      Chatgpt can't write that poorly

      • overthinking on 22/04/2025 - 21:25

        Aha yeah
        2nd and 3rd paraphragh is op

        1st is chatgpt.

        • belongsinforums on 22/04/2025 - 21:56

          Well spotted. Stark contrast in those paragraphs

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 22/04/2025 - 13:54

    Revenue raising in VIC is getting beyond ridiculous. Some of the major freeways east of the CBD have random 80km straight stretches on ideal road surfaces for "safety" and the cops always park up there to issue fines. Yet 200m away will be a 100km speed limit road that is too narrow, pot holed and windy to safely drive at the speed limit.

    • Protractor on 22/04/2025 - 13:56
      +1

      Revenue raising in VIC

      I hear they're getting a new number plate slogan soon.
      Victoria_ The Willing Donor State

  • Caped Baldy on 22/04/2025 - 14:10
    +1

    Can the cops go after the people that drive 20kmh under on major roads?

    • Protractor on 22/04/2025 - 14:20

      Would definitely be the highest priority. /s

      • Caped Baldy on 22/04/2025 - 15:21
        -2

        It can lead to tailgating and a higher risk of crashing. I saw a couple of crashed cars on a road trip over the Easter break.

        • Protractor on 22/04/2025 - 15:22
          +3

          The tailgater is the problem. You seriously think the person in front controls the idiot up his arse?

  • grasstown on 22/04/2025 - 14:35
    -1

    I recently drove my brother’s car, which has none of the conveniences of my eight-year-old car. The brakes were spongy. It did not have a digital speedometer. It did not have a digital fuel tank level reader, everything about the car was just difficult. I assume that modern cars, including teslas have many advantages over my 8-year-old car. So I have concluded that people who are driving old vehicles are disadvantaged and that all the voters on OzBargain have nice modern cars and these traffic infringement are easily avoided by their modern vehicles.

    • ozfool on 22/04/2025 - 15:23
      +3

      How does a digital fuel gauge help modern cars not get traffic infringements? I've got an old car with an analogue tacho, works fine, only a fool blames his tools…

      • grasstown on 22/04/2025 - 18:00

        I never said that. I said it makes the car more difficult. It has nothing to do with traffic infringements. No need to call me a fool.

    • 91rs on 22/04/2025 - 15:53
      +2

      Its ok to admit you're a bad driver man, its fine you don't have to blame your car.

      • grasstown on 22/04/2025 - 18:01

        Dude I haven’t had any infringements so I’m not sure why you call me a bad driver

        • brendanm on 23/04/2025 - 17:47

          No infringements ≠ good driver

          • grasstown on 23/04/2025 - 18:25

            @brendanm: Ok well what proof do you want?

            • brendanm on 23/04/2025 - 19:46

              @grasstown: There is no proof you can give. I'm simply saying no demerits does not make you a good driver. Generally it just means you drive under the speed limit.

    • Make it so on 22/04/2025 - 17:34
      +1

      It's easier to speed in a modern car with more power, than in an old car where you can tell your speed from the noise of the engine.

      • grasstown on 22/04/2025 - 18:04

        Try drive without a good navigator, or warnings about red light and speed cameras. There is more than just speeding

        • Make it so on 22/04/2025 - 18:07
          +1

          I didn't start using things like Android Auto until maybe 7 years ago. Navigation: yes, but I don't see how I'd get fined for going the wrong way (otherwise I'd have 100 demerit points by now, as I'm shocking at navigating). Red light and speed camera warnings: I don't speed, and I don't burn red lights, so they're fairly irrelevant to me. I drive on cruise control whenever I can, which helps me avoid speeding. My previous car was a manual (no cruise control), which made it easy to feel my speed.

    • bazingaa on 23/04/2025 - 10:21

      Until last year, I had a 20 year old car, and I had no issues with it, never had a demerit point either. You can even use your phone with a proper mount for maps and speed.

  • us3rnam3tak3n on 22/04/2025 - 16:11
    +1

    In WA it's just a fine for up to 9km/h over the limit. Many cars drive like OP - around 5 over - without worrying about demerits.

  • Millikano on 22/04/2025 - 16:12

    Highly recommend using Waze, good for Hazards and if people report cops.

    I’ve had speeding fines, could do better and fines suck when it feels like Police are there just to hit a quota. However, it’s fully on me if I break the law.

    I’d like it if they increase the minimum training standards for drivers, and for roadworthiness, so that we could travel faster. At the moment, there are a lot of bad drivers on the road.

    I’d like to see instant 2 demerit points and a $400 fine for tailgating if caught on camera or by a patrol car. Absolutely disappointed by that selfish, dangerous behaviour around greater Sydney, regardless of speed (at or already a bit above the limit). We’ve got to look after each other, just really poor form by people who think they’re better than everyone else.

  • justgooddeals on 22/04/2025 - 16:35
    +1

    In the last 15 years have accrued 0 points in total. None zero zilch nada. I drive a regular distance like most people.

    Tells me that if I can manage to do it that people whinging about 13 points not being enough need to alter their behaviour. Or need more education about road rules or safe driving practices and should go back and get lessons at driving school.

    But so many people like to blame everyone else or something else- the points system, the cameras etc etc when the real problem is staring back at them in the rear view mirror.

  • lunartemis on 22/04/2025 - 17:08
    +1

    25 years of driving and never lost a single point. It is not that hard to keep your eyes on the current speed. You should be alert while behind the wheel of a car at all times and if that is too hard, you shouldnt be driving.
    Most cars show 3-4 kmh over the actual speed, so if you are getting caught speeding, you must be going at least 7kmh above the limit

  • Make it so on 22/04/2025 - 17:33

    23 years of driving in WA - once lost 3 points because I misjudged an orange light due to being more preoccupied with the temperature gauge of my overheating crappy car. That was 20 years ago - haven't lost a point since.

  • T1OOO on 22/04/2025 - 17:39

    ever considered following the law and road rules?

    serious question.

  • Adikp3njahat on 22/04/2025 - 18:01
    +2

    Sounds like skill issue from your end rather than the police being unfair

  • belongsinforums on 22/04/2025 - 18:04
    +1

    Two 🎻 🚗 related posts. Keep them coming

  • Bearlion on 22/04/2025 - 19:02

    Anzac Bridge 60km/hr with predatory highway patrol is unfair xD

  • DoctorCalculon on 22/04/2025 - 19:51
    +1

    10 demerit points

    Most seasoned OzBargainers here:

    • Have 0 demerit points
    • Have a dashcam (both front & rear)
    • Have insurance

    • wetsandwich on 23/04/2025 - 11:46

      True OB-ers do all their travelling before 7am to get free travel on Myki. Even if that means waiting until the next day to come home from work, in order to save that $2 concession fare.

      • notaccel on 23/04/2025 - 17:33

        Anything for a deal

  • mitt on 22/04/2025 - 21:00
    +2

    I still hold that if we were able to choose to donate fines to a registered charity rather than going to the government enforcement would vanish.

  • factor on 22/04/2025 - 21:06

    The NSW speed/mobile-phone camera supplier is listed on the Australian stock market. Quite a few of their staff reviewing photos have been permanently disabled by dangerous drivers.

    Rather than paying easily avoided fines for poor driving I invest in an Australian innovator - supporting road safety and the victims of bad driving.

    This is not to say I'm perfect - just that I calculate this differently. I consider all of these cameras attention tests. I speed anytime I have sufficient spare attention to do so - any freeway without excessive congestion. If extra attention to the road well ahead will be difficult I don't speed. My speeding is about +10km/h over GPS speed, and always slow down for the "attention tests". I've never had a fine and I regularly drive long distance.

  • May4th on 22/04/2025 - 21:40
    +3

    i've lost 2 points over last 10 years and that was for disobeying a no right turn sign I didn't see. Not sure what you mean by punishing over severity, if you exceed limit by 40kms on a long weekend that's a direct loss of license.

    I find it interesting your response to overwhelming consensus is it's because somehow everyone else is too privileged. if you can't fathom that it's you that's the problem maybe you should look for an echo chamber away from the internet

  • YoursTruly on 22/04/2025 - 22:04

    ’Gotta go fast’

    — Sonic the 🦔 OP

  • garage sale on 22/04/2025 - 23:22

    Good thing is mobile phone cameras, it’s a very conscious decision to use the phone , unlike if you missed change in signed speed from 50 to 40 km, or 60 to 50 km. the number of drivers i see using phones while driving is more concerning to me than a driver who is 5km over the limit with both hands on the wheel.

  • Ooops on 23/04/2025 - 08:32

    You don't have to drive at the speed limit. That's the limit. Go 5 under?

    I've ever copped 1 fine in my life and that wasn't for speeding.

    • Bigfellaborham on 23/04/2025 - 16:31
      -8

      Good work. Can only assume that point was lost for for using your phone to urgently reply to this thread to let everyone know you’re a super good boi in the car

      • Ooops on 23/04/2025 - 20:54
        +2

        No, pushed a red light on the way to the hospital with my child.

    • doncarajo on 23/04/2025 - 16:54
      -1

      Actually you are supposed to drive at the speed limit whenever possible (it should just be called the speed of the road not the speed limit). You can get done for driving too slowly and impairing traffic flow.

      • Ooops on 23/04/2025 - 20:54

        That's actually incorrect.

        You can be fined for driving too slowly if you are hindering the traffic or it is dangerous, e.g. 30 km/h on the fwy.

  • WastedWombat on 23/04/2025 - 09:45

    It's a called speed LIMIT not a speed GOAL :)
    Hope this helps

  • whitepuma on 23/04/2025 - 10:36

    I have a mate in the NSW police force, he was telling me how there are direct links between the amount of police they assign for RBT & speed cameras and the revenue they bring in. from a business stand point it makes completely logical sense to keep ramping up these areas.

    You want to prove them wrong? you want to shove it to the police force and have them downscale on RBT's & Speed cameras? Then stop speeding or drink driving…These things have operational costs, and if they aren't catching anyone breaking the law (at least not enough to justify the operational costs) then they will downscale the operation as it doesn't make financial sense to continue it.

    • Bigfellaborham on 23/04/2025 - 16:32
      -1

      Revenue raising. Knew it!

    • brendanm on 23/04/2025 - 17:59

      These things have operational costs, and if they aren't catching anyone breaking the law (at least not enough to justify the operational costs) then they will downscale the operation as it doesn't make financial sense to continue it.

      To be fair, people were driving within the speed limits more, that's why they continually lower the allowance over the limit. Have to maintain the revenue. Sure hasn't helped the road toll.

    • furyou on 23/04/2025 - 23:02

      If they aren't catching anyone breaking the law, they lower limits

      rozelle interchange bypass - tunnel built wider than 80km/h ones, speed limit 60.
      local roads going to 30km/h by default

      • whitepuma on 24/04/2025 - 08:42

        Prove to me that the reason for them lowering the limit is because they aren't catching people breaking the law.

        And that it's not for other reasons. I.e. road design and visibility, improved safety, crash history data,community y input, high pedestrian activity area.

  • wetsandwich on 23/04/2025 - 11:43
    +1

    I've had a driver's license for 20 years now and never got a single fine, speeding ticket, or other infringement.

    You have the choice to not rack up any sort of fines, by driving slightly slower, being aware of where revenue raising locations are, etc.

    I am not claiming to have never done anything wrong, but it's a matter of when, where, and how much you do it by.

    • Bigfellaborham on 23/04/2025 - 16:32
      -3

      You’re now my hero. Well done.

  • dannyboi on 23/04/2025 - 11:57

    Just came back from Victoria and man is it tougher down there with unmarked fixed speed cameras that have zero signage.

    NSW is pretty lenient with all the signage and reminders that we get for our fixed and mobile cameras.

  • Kiro on 23/04/2025 - 12:21

    Nah, mate just stop driving like a tool and obay the limits. Rules are rules.

  • bigticket on 23/04/2025 - 12:33

    Im not a hypocrite like others on here claiming the moral high ground of driving for decades and not having lost a single demerit point. The reality is these drivers all know but do not admit to the fact at one time or another they have inadvertently sped or broken some road rule that warranted a fine multiple times. Its just human nature to make mistakes and its fortunate for them they didnt get caught in the net.

    As an example, EV drivers would potentially incur multiple fines per week if a system was in place that sent vehicle telemetry to a government AI that issued fines.

    As a side note, I am one of those drivers who has not had a speeding fine in more than two decades.

  • 2esc on 23/04/2025 - 15:23

    For the last 22 years ive driven fulltime for a living between 7 and 12 hours a day driving and received 2 tickets. All up 5 tickets in my life.

    My wife has zero tickets, my sister zero talked to a couple mates they might get a ticket or 2 a year.

    One neighbour said his pulled his head in as he just cant afford the tickets.

    As your talking about demerits and not the cost of all though tickets you must make too much money cost of living crisis hasnt affected your driving habits.

    • Bigfellaborham on 23/04/2025 - 16:34
      -2

      Congrats to you and your extended family.

  • pogichinoy on 23/04/2025 - 15:36
    +1

    Do the right thing and you will never have to worry about safety cameras.

  • StalkingIbis on 23/04/2025 - 16:51

    punishes frequency over intensity? Perhaps those who drive most need to be most careful. Afterall, they are on the road more.

  • Darude Sandstorm on 23/04/2025 - 19:44

    I haven't even got a demerit yet and I'm 30. Shocking, I know, but I've had work provide a car for the entirety of my life, so when I travel from one job to another, I just go 10km/h slower, get paid to drive longer??

  • Slippage on 23/04/2025 - 20:19

    I dunno man…. I had a few tickets on my P's (speeding) and quickly learned that it's not worth it at all. haven't had one in the past decade.

    My car is ~21 years old nothing fancy there and it's certainly not "difficult" to drive. I also regularly drive Tesla's for work and never had an issue in them either.

    This sounds 100% user error, most likely an attitude towards driving also. Just leave 10 minutes earlier and pay attention to the road

  • furyou on 23/04/2025 - 23:00

    Speed limits are too low. Our cars are better handling/braking and yet we drive slower than ever. 30km/h in a 50 zone, 45 in a 60, coming to a full stop at every roundabout…

  • ol mate on 24/04/2025 - 07:33
    -1

    I'd like to know the breakdown of what your and your friends' 10 points are for? Are they for speeding (and what range), red lights, seat belts, mobile phones, etc.

    I'll be the first to admit that I speed a lot - I'm honestly surprised, and way overdue for a speeding ticket (last one was over 10 years ago) - but I've accumulated no points since.

    Personally, I have no sympathy for people who are caught without seatbelts, using mobile phones, drink driving, etc. - these are genuinely road safety issues where someone has made a conscious choice not to wear a seat belt, to drink and drive, use their phone, etc. I think the way Queensland has structured their demerit points for seatbelt and phone offences is quite reasonable (4 points for first offence, 8 points for the second within 12 months) because it penalises and tries to reeducate those who haven't learnt their lesson the first time.

    On the other hand, IMO speeding <20km/h over can be accidental and there should be changes to give more leeway. I don't think this is necessarily increasing the number of demerits someone can incur, but changing the demerits associated with each offence (e.g. <5km/h in a <=60 zone and <10km/h in a >60 zone should be no points, 10-20km/h should only be 1 point in <=80 zones and none in >80 zones)

  • SuperMid on 24/04/2025 - 07:52
    -6

    OP, keep in mind ozbargain is full of mainly asian students who are completely out of touch with reality. The answers here dont reflect societies real opinions.

    • smartazz104 on 24/04/2025 - 08:04

      asian students

      You mean people who are more likely to have driving issues…

      • Purp on 24/04/2025 - 08:34

        Don't think he said women.

  • Purp on 24/04/2025 - 07:57

    If you're getting that many demerits it's a driver issue

    Never had a demerit in my life, touch wood.

  • juns on 24/04/2025 - 09:44

    From the looks of it, I can see only 3 options

    1. Get people to push against those aggressive speed camera placement
    2. Get people to push for more demerit points limit
    3. Use cruise control and cruise along with your life

    Now here's my opinion. Sure the police may or may not be using the speed camera as revenue raising, but if you use cruise control which totally puts you in safe position or even just driving 5km/h below the speed limit, you're very likely covered from being caught by human error. In which case, the cameras will provide the benefit of safer roads by catching those that speeds intentionally.

    I personally think option 1 and 2 are just too painful/difficult to organise and achieve other than throwing rant in random internet forum. So practically speaking, you're left with option 3 that will provide you with immediate benefit.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 24/04/2025 - 11:19
    -1

    Move to Texas mate. I was just there. Everyone's going 10mph over and it's normal. Australian's love big daddy government's rules for us over personal freedom. COVID proved that.

    • Muppet Detector on 24/04/2025 - 12:06
      +3

      You do know that Texas has the death penalty, right?

      Interesting perspective of personal freedom you have there.

    • jackspratt on 24/04/2025 - 13:01
      +2

      Move to Texas mate. I was just there. Everyone's going 10mph over and it's normal

      10 over the speed limit, and with a loaded M15 on the back seat.

      Praize the Lawd …… it doesn't get much better than that!

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