In many states, the passing of a stationary traffic light that has turned red is accompanied by heavy fines and the loss of demerit points with regards to one’s driver’s license. Victoria and New South Wales are prime examples. The fine is set at $509 along with the demerit of 3 points, while in New South Wales one has to pay $469 and the fine increases if the offense is committed at a school zone. As such, pulling the driver’s ‘fingers’ away from the steering wheel at a traffic signal is a widely accepted attribute.
Enhanced Monitoring Through Camera Surveillance
Australian states and territories have red cameras which form part of Australia’s road monitoring infrastructure used to automatically verify and record certain traffic violations and their alleged offenders. When vehicles are photographed advancing past the stop line of traffic the light turns red, and a fine is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. It captures the traffic violator, their vehicles and within a few minutes, a notice is sent to their home. The aim of these cameras is to promote responsible behavior to the rules of the road and for the traffic theory exercises to be incorporated by the drivers.
Penalty Details by State
| State/Territory | Approximate Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | $509 | 3 | Applies to red-light arrow |
| New South Wales | $469 – $587 | 3 to 4 | Higher fine in school zones |
| Western Australia | $300 | 3 | Additional demerits possible |
| National Average | $500 – $600 | 3 | Varies by region |
What Is The Purpose Behind The Heavy Fines?
Running a red light is one of the leading causes of intersection crashes which can lead to serious bodily injuries or even losses of life. The government seeks to change the rates of injuries as well as deaths in the country by having such strict penalties to discourage people from violating these rules. The higher the penalty, the more likely that person will be inclined to follow the set rules and in consequence, the lives will be saved in Australia from unnecessary car accidents.
Other Associated Offences
Aside from running the red traffic lakes, Australia has also aimed at more serious red light offenses like, for example, being fined up to $800 for the act of having a mobile phone which one is using interface during the driving and even being at red lights which caters for more zero tolerance for mobile phone use during driving. These restraints and enforcement actions resonate with the 2030 National Strategy that targets the improvement to National road Safety.
FAQs
Q1: What happens if I get caught by a red light camera?
A1: You will be sent a letter which has an outlined amount you owe related to the demerit points.
Q2: Are the fines higher in a school zone?
A2: Yes, the fines as well as the demerit points in a school zone are criminally escalated for the sake of public safety.
Q3: If a fine is applicable to a driver in one state, is the same amount applied to the other states in the country?
A3: Not all. Fines differ from one state to another. On an average, fines in the country lie between $300 to $600 with almost same demerit points.
Q4: Is it an offense to use a phone while in a car that is parked in a red light?
A4: Yes, it is an offense and is in fact the use of a phone while in a stationary car at a red light is an offense in the country of Australia and they will charge you $850 for that.
