Authorities will introduce new passenger restrictions for drivers soon
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Navigating the roads as a new driver can be daunting, and for those in Western Australia, the rules are about to get stricter.
To enhance road safety and reduce the risk of accidents among inexperienced drivers, Western Australia is set to introduce significant changes to its P-plate laws, affecting many young motorists across the state.
A new set of regulations, known as Tom's Law, will become effective for Class P1 provisional licence holders, who are easily identified by their red P-plates, from 1 December 2024.
This law is named in memory of Tom Saffioti and his friend Nick Campo, whose lives were tragically cut short in a car accident involving a red P-plater with five passengers on board.
The incident highlighted the potential dangers of inexperienced drivers carrying multiple passengers, prompting a call for legislative change.
Under the new law, red P-platers will be limited to carrying just one passenger.
The restriction does not apply if the additional passengers have been fully licensed for four or more years, are immediate family members, or are required for the driver's employment.
In the case of employment, drivers must keep a letter from their employer on hand to present to the police if stopped.
The penalties for breaching these new passenger restrictions should not be taken lightly. Drivers caught with more than one passenger outside the allowed exemptions will face a $200 fine and receive two demerit points.
This is the same penalty for breaking the state's red P-plate curfew, which prohibits driving between midnight and 5:00 am.
Western Australia has yet to implement such restrictions.
It follows in the footsteps of other states and territories that have already recognised the need to limit the number of passengers P-platers can carry.
The Northern Territory remains the only region without specific laws regarding this issue.
Western Australia is also expanding its Safe Driver Reward Program for P-platers with the new passenger restrictions.
The program offers a free full licence for 12 months to P-platers who avoid accruing any demerit points during their two-year probationary period.
With the upcoming changes, the demerit-free period will be extended to three years, and successful drivers will receive a $100 discount off their five-year full licence fee, currently priced at $163.50.
Moreover, the WA state government is investing in the safety of young drivers by offering a Safe Driving Course to up to 750 individuals under 25 as part of the existing Driver Access and Equity Program.
Additionally, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program is being expanded to reach regional students.
These students will gain firsthand experience of the consequences of road accidents through visits to Western Australia's hospitals.
These changes indicate that the state government is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of young drivers and their passengers.
Will they be effective in reducing road accidents among young drivers? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below.
To enhance road safety and reduce the risk of accidents among inexperienced drivers, Western Australia is set to introduce significant changes to its P-plate laws, affecting many young motorists across the state.
A new set of regulations, known as Tom's Law, will become effective for Class P1 provisional licence holders, who are easily identified by their red P-plates, from 1 December 2024.
This law is named in memory of Tom Saffioti and his friend Nick Campo, whose lives were tragically cut short in a car accident involving a red P-plater with five passengers on board.
New passenger restrictions for red P-plate licence holders in Western Australia will be introduced on 1 December 2024, allowing only one passenger unless exemptions apply. Credit: Shutterstock
The incident highlighted the potential dangers of inexperienced drivers carrying multiple passengers, prompting a call for legislative change.
Under the new law, red P-platers will be limited to carrying just one passenger.
The restriction does not apply if the additional passengers have been fully licensed for four or more years, are immediate family members, or are required for the driver's employment.
In the case of employment, drivers must keep a letter from their employer on hand to present to the police if stopped.
The penalties for breaching these new passenger restrictions should not be taken lightly. Drivers caught with more than one passenger outside the allowed exemptions will face a $200 fine and receive two demerit points.
This is the same penalty for breaking the state's red P-plate curfew, which prohibits driving between midnight and 5:00 am.
Western Australia has yet to implement such restrictions.
It follows in the footsteps of other states and territories that have already recognised the need to limit the number of passengers P-platers can carry.
The Northern Territory remains the only region without specific laws regarding this issue.
Western Australia is also expanding its Safe Driver Reward Program for P-platers with the new passenger restrictions.
The program offers a free full licence for 12 months to P-platers who avoid accruing any demerit points during their two-year probationary period.
With the upcoming changes, the demerit-free period will be extended to three years, and successful drivers will receive a $100 discount off their five-year full licence fee, currently priced at $163.50.
Moreover, the WA state government is investing in the safety of young drivers by offering a Safe Driving Course to up to 750 individuals under 25 as part of the existing Driver Access and Equity Program.
Additionally, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program is being expanded to reach regional students.
These students will gain firsthand experience of the consequences of road accidents through visits to Western Australia's hospitals.
These changes indicate that the state government is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of young drivers and their passengers.
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