Harsher penalties in WA

Motorists in Western Australia now face stiffer fines for a wide range of traffic offences

Friday, September 26, saw a number of new penalties introduced for traffic offences in Western Australia.

The changes pertain to illegal mobile phone usage (now $400), running a red light (now $300), and failing to keep a safe following distance (now $200), among others.

The penalties for speeding offences have also come under scrutiny. Exceeding the limit by 9km/h or under in a heavy vehicle now incurs a fine of $200, while for 9-19km/h over it's $300 and for 19-29km/h it's $500. Meanwhile, legislative changes are currently being made to alter the fines for high-range heavy vehicle speeding offences to $1200 (29-40km/h) and $1500 (over 40km/h) respectively.

The fines for car-related speeding offences have also been modified.

The changes were initially announced in July, and follow on from the state expanding its double-demerit-points periods to include mobile phone and red light offences, which began last Easter.

According to Western Australia's Acting Road Safety Minister, John Day, the tougher penalties send a clear message to anyone who wilfully disobeys road laws.

"These measures should serve as a deterrent to poor behaviour and will protect our community at large," he said.

"We all need to take responsibility for how we use our roads, so encourage your loved ones to act safely and look out for each other."

According to a ministerial press release, new legislation has also been introduced in WA to support "future penalty increases for developing road safety issues".

For the complete list of changes visit www.ors.wa.gov.au/penaltychanges.

A total of 130 people have died on WA's roads this year to Monday, September 29; that's 10 more than this time last year.

Harsher penalties in WA

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