Driver cops $322 fine in common road rule misconception: 'Unfair'
An Aussie driver has sparked a wave of debate among motorists nationwide after being hit with a $322 fine and a demerit point for driving 69 per hour in a 60 zone. But, they questioned whether some leniency should have been allowed, given they were just metres from a 100km/h sign — clearly visible in the speed camera photo.
The Queenslander admitted they'll "probably just cop it" and pay, but asked the community if anyone had ever fought such a penalty and won. "I just find the whole situation funny as," they wrote.
In Australia, speed limits apply until a new limit is officially signposted, meaning exceeding the limit even just before a higher-speed zone is still an offence. Speaking to Yahoo News, A Queensland Police spokeswoman said this particular camera is operated by the department of Transport and Main Roads, who have been contacted for clarity on the matter.
But dozens of Australians responding to the post argued the rule is "unfair", sharing their own experiences. "No one would have fought this and won," one person wrote.
"The new limit doesn't apply until you hit the sign. So if you are going from 60 to 100, [you] can't do 100 until you reach the sign. And in reverse you must be doing 60 by the time you reach the sign."
"Bit of a sh*t spot to catch people. Pretty clear this isn't for public safety," another claimed.
"The speed zone changes when you pass the sign, not when you see the sign. You're most likely going to be out of luck," commented a third.
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"Happened to me, I was literally 10 metres from a 100km/h sign and started to speed up, and a highway patrol car booked me. It's always better to wait five seconds before speeding up … I learned the hard way" said another. What started as a single post quickly erupted into a lengthy debate, attracting many hundreds of responses.
According to an excerpt from the state government's Traffic Manual, there are restrictions governing where speed detection devices should generally not be used. They include on the downgrade of a hill, within 300 metres after a speed limit reduction, or within 100 metres before a speed limit increase. Given this, the driver just might have a case. Though because the manual is a guideline and not law, it's not a guaranteed defence. However Yahoo understands officers in patrol cars are able to grant leniency in cases where drivers have been caught at speed limit changes.
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