Aussies beware: What NOT to do with your campervan to avoid a whopping $1,097 fine!
- Replies 7
As the holiday season approaches and the lure of the open road beckons, many Aussies are gearing up for adventures in campervans and caravans.
However, before you set off on your great Australian road trip, there's a cautionary tale that serves as a stark reminder to abide by the road rules.
The event, which resulted in a significant fine for the driver involved, serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible behaviour on the roads.
Recently, a 23-year-old campervan driver was slapped with a hefty $1,097 fine after being caught speeding a dangerous 153 km/h along the 110 km/h road—40 km/h over the limit—on the Hume Highway near Wagga Wagga, NSW.
The driver, who held an international UK driver's licence, was also handed an immediate three-month licence suspension.
This incident has raised concerns among authorities, particularly as we approach the school holidays, a peak time for camping trips.
The risks of speeding in larger vehicles such as campervans and caravans are significant.
Avinash Singh from Astor Legal explained that this type of speeding is often ‘regarded as one of the most serious examples of speeding’.
‘The vehicle itself is a motor home and is not designed to travel at those speeds…the driver has not just put his own safety and other road users at risk, but also the three passengers who were in the vehicle,’ he said.
However, road safety expert Peter Khoury from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) emphasised that speeding is ‘catastrophic’, regardless of the vehicle's size.
‘It doesn't matter the size of vehicle or what they're pulling when it's speeding like that, I think that's the important message,’ he stated.
‘Heading into Christmas, this behaviour is unacceptable…40 kilometres over the speed limit could have caused a catastrophic outcome for anyone involved in an accident at that speed. Good on the police for catching them.’
While drivers towing a caravan are restricted to a maximum speed of 100 km/h, this limitation does not apply to motorhomes or campervans.
However, this does not mean that campervan drivers should feel free to exceed the posted speed limits.
Singh considered the driver in question ‘lucky’ to have escaped with only a fine and suspension, as a court appearance could have led to even harsher penalties.
‘The fact the driver was on an international licence means they were likely less familiar with Australian road rules, and so should have been more careful,’ she said, to which Khoury agreed.
‘The road rules in the UK are basically the same as Australia…they shouldn’t be factored into the penalty,’ Khoury added.
The incident also brings to light the broader issue of international drivers on Australian roads.
Some Aussies have expressed concerns that international drivers may not be as familiar with local road rules or may not face the same consequences as resident drivers.
This has been highlighted by recent changes in NSW, where international drivers are now required to transfer their licence more quickly to a local one, ensuring they are subject to the same demerit system as Australian drivers.
From April 30, 2025, international drivers from certain countries will need to undergo additional training and testing to receive an Australian licence.
Previously known as the Experienced Driver Recognition Status, drivers from countries like South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Poland will soon be required to undergo domestic accreditation.
However, drivers from most Western countries, including the US, UK, France, Canada, and Italy, will only need to complete paperwork to make the switch.
Earlier this year, NSW also addressed a ‘loophole’ that allowed international drivers to accumulate demerit points without consequences.
Now, foreign nationals driving on their home country's licence must transfer it to a local one more quickly, bringing them under the same demerit point system.
As we look at the road toll statistics, the urgency for safe driving becomes clear. In NSW alone, there have been 308 deaths and 10,793 serious injuries this year, with speed being a significant factor.
Victoria's road toll is slightly down from last year, but the numbers are still alarming, with 256 lives lost.
However, most states and territories across the country have already recorded hundreds of road deaths this year, with Queensland reporting 241 and Western Australia 162.
Speeding plays a major role, as the risk of road collisions doubles for every 5km/h increase in speed on a road with a 60 km/h limit, according to the SA Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
The message from Peter Khoury is simple and unequivocal: ‘Just don’t do it.’
Speeding is never worth the risk, not to your own life, the lives of your passengers, or the lives of other road users.
So, as you prepare for your holiday travels, remember that the freedom of the road comes with responsibilities.
Ensure your campervan is roadworthy, stick to the speed limits, and drive with care. Your adventure awaits, but safety should always be your co-pilot.
The recent incident involving a campervan driver serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving.
Similarly, another shocking event has highlighted the ongoing risks on the road, underscoring the critical importance of road safety for all drivers.
Both incidents emphasise the need for greater awareness and responsible behaviour behind the wheel to prevent tragic consequences.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Do you have any tips for safe driving in campervans or caravans? Share your insights and advice in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe on the roads this holiday season.
However, before you set off on your great Australian road trip, there's a cautionary tale that serves as a stark reminder to abide by the road rules.
The event, which resulted in a significant fine for the driver involved, serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible behaviour on the roads.
Recently, a 23-year-old campervan driver was slapped with a hefty $1,097 fine after being caught speeding a dangerous 153 km/h along the 110 km/h road—40 km/h over the limit—on the Hume Highway near Wagga Wagga, NSW.
The driver, who held an international UK driver's licence, was also handed an immediate three-month licence suspension.
This incident has raised concerns among authorities, particularly as we approach the school holidays, a peak time for camping trips.
A campervan driver was fined $1,097 and had his licence suspended for speeding 40 km/h over the limit on the Hume Highway near Wagga Wagga, NSW. Credit: Facebook / NSW Police Force
The risks of speeding in larger vehicles such as campervans and caravans are significant.
Avinash Singh from Astor Legal explained that this type of speeding is often ‘regarded as one of the most serious examples of speeding’.
‘The vehicle itself is a motor home and is not designed to travel at those speeds…the driver has not just put his own safety and other road users at risk, but also the three passengers who were in the vehicle,’ he said.
However, road safety expert Peter Khoury from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) emphasised that speeding is ‘catastrophic’, regardless of the vehicle's size.
‘It doesn't matter the size of vehicle or what they're pulling when it's speeding like that, I think that's the important message,’ he stated.
‘Heading into Christmas, this behaviour is unacceptable…40 kilometres over the speed limit could have caused a catastrophic outcome for anyone involved in an accident at that speed. Good on the police for catching them.’
While drivers towing a caravan are restricted to a maximum speed of 100 km/h, this limitation does not apply to motorhomes or campervans.
However, this does not mean that campervan drivers should feel free to exceed the posted speed limits.
Singh considered the driver in question ‘lucky’ to have escaped with only a fine and suspension, as a court appearance could have led to even harsher penalties.
‘The fact the driver was on an international licence means they were likely less familiar with Australian road rules, and so should have been more careful,’ she said, to which Khoury agreed.
‘The road rules in the UK are basically the same as Australia…they shouldn’t be factored into the penalty,’ Khoury added.
The incident also brings to light the broader issue of international drivers on Australian roads.
Some Aussies have expressed concerns that international drivers may not be as familiar with local road rules or may not face the same consequences as resident drivers.
This has been highlighted by recent changes in NSW, where international drivers are now required to transfer their licence more quickly to a local one, ensuring they are subject to the same demerit system as Australian drivers.
From April 30, 2025, international drivers from certain countries will need to undergo additional training and testing to receive an Australian licence.
Previously known as the Experienced Driver Recognition Status, drivers from countries like South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Poland will soon be required to undergo domestic accreditation.
However, drivers from most Western countries, including the US, UK, France, Canada, and Italy, will only need to complete paperwork to make the switch.
Earlier this year, NSW also addressed a ‘loophole’ that allowed international drivers to accumulate demerit points without consequences.
Now, foreign nationals driving on their home country's licence must transfer it to a local one more quickly, bringing them under the same demerit point system.
As we look at the road toll statistics, the urgency for safe driving becomes clear. In NSW alone, there have been 308 deaths and 10,793 serious injuries this year, with speed being a significant factor.
Victoria's road toll is slightly down from last year, but the numbers are still alarming, with 256 lives lost.
However, most states and territories across the country have already recorded hundreds of road deaths this year, with Queensland reporting 241 and Western Australia 162.
Speeding plays a major role, as the risk of road collisions doubles for every 5km/h increase in speed on a road with a 60 km/h limit, according to the SA Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
The message from Peter Khoury is simple and unequivocal: ‘Just don’t do it.’
Speeding is never worth the risk, not to your own life, the lives of your passengers, or the lives of other road users.
So, as you prepare for your holiday travels, remember that the freedom of the road comes with responsibilities.
Ensure your campervan is roadworthy, stick to the speed limits, and drive with care. Your adventure awaits, but safety should always be your co-pilot.
The recent incident involving a campervan driver serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving.
Similarly, another shocking event has highlighted the ongoing risks on the road, underscoring the critical importance of road safety for all drivers.
Both incidents emphasise the need for greater awareness and responsible behaviour behind the wheel to prevent tragic consequences.
.png){kind=icon}
