Starting from 2025, police officers have been given the ability to instantly cancel the licenses of Australian drivers. This means that certain high-risk repeat and serious offenders whose offences include extreme speeding (usually 45 km/h or more above the limit), drink or drug driving and reckless driving. Even in places like Victoria, the regulations are more stringent for young drivers and P-platers who are caught using mobile phones while driving.
Not all traffic offences result in the instant suspension of a driver’s license, however, some serious offenses may lead to such consequences. Drink driving offences or drug driving, extreme speeding (45km/h or more over the speed limit), reckless driving are all examples of serious offences that are instantly punishable by license suspension. Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicating drugs are prohibited from driving for extended durations. In certain states like Victoria, there are laws designed to curb the use of mobile phones by young drivers, and P-plate drivers.
State Differences and License Discipline
As goes the federal structure, the primary enforcement concerning licence cancellation are the principles set out by law. However, these principles differ with enforcement specifics in different states and territories. Road safety policies, for instance, get tailored in New South Wales, Victoria, and even Queensland. As an example, Queensland imposes a 12 month ban with 2 serious infringements within 12 months, and Victoria is more focused on P-plater infringements.
Losing your licence and reclaiming it
Losing a licence comes with it a lot of inconvenient steps to get the licence back. In this case, the driver in question has to go through a lot of processes such as medical exams, driving assessments, and even Interlock Surgery. With this, issuing a with-drivers licence will only be approved once the individual is found to be fit, thereby improving the system and making it safer.
The core focus of the amended rules depicts a change in focus. With Australian lawmakers actively wanting drivers to play safe, accountability has taken the front seat. With these the measures each driver will take will change, thereby eliminating the need to be temporarily banned. Immediate and uncompromising penalties will be put in place for drivers who choose to ignore these measures.