We are now going to talk about what happens when you do something wrong on the roads. It is important to be thinking about this all the time so that you are able to keep your licence once you have received it.
Facilitator:
The key words in this module include: traffic offence, penalty, fines, demerit points and hooning.
Actions:
This slide introduces the main words of the Module and is intended to help develop Penalties language and understandings.
Talk with the group about whether they already know the words and discuss in more depth, those that seem new or need further elaboration.
See Road Users Handbook section on Penalties.
Facilitator to ask the group – What is a traffic offence?
Driving without a licence; Speeding; driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and when your alcohol level is over the limit for your licence; refusing to take a breath test; not stopping after a crash where someone is injured or killed; driving at a dangerous speed; driving in a dangerous manner;
What does the word ‘penalties’ mean?
Penalties include fines; disqualification from holding or applying for a licence; licence cancellation (lose your licence) , refusal or suspension; and in extreme cases, imprisonment / go to jail. Injury or death. You could also lose your car or your job.
All drivers must carry their licence with them every time they drive. Penalties also apply if you fail to produce your licence
Facilitator:
What is a traffic offence? A traffic offence can be:
· Driving without a licence;
· Speeding;
· driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and when your alcohol level is over the limit for your licence;
· refusing to take a breath test;
· not stopping after a crash where someone is injured or killed; driving at a dangerous speed;
· and driving in a dangerous manner.
Actions:
Click on the numbers to reveal examples of traffic offences, discuss as you go.
Facilitator:
While we are talking about traffic offences, it is important to emphasise something that many young people are tempted to do when they get their first car and licence. We talk about this as hooning.
Actions:
Ask the group to describe hooning? Share some stories.
Group talk in language to develop clear understandings about the rule/law.
Facilitator:
Hooning is against the law. Why do you think hooning is against the law?
Actions:
Discuss what might happen through hooning - loss of control of the car; damage to property; hurting people in the car or outside of the car. As a result, hooning is illegal.
Facilitator:
Anti-hooning laws mean that if you are caught hooning on a road or in public, you could lose your vehicle, get a fine and lose demerit points.
And just as an important note to remember, you must not start or drive a vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise (includes music, not just engine or tyre noises). This is also against the law.
See Road Users Handbook section on Penalties.
Facilitator to ask the group – What is a traffic offence?
Driving without a licence; Speeding; driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and when your alcohol level is over the limit for your licence; refusing to take a breath test; not stopping after a crash where someone is injured or killed; driving at a dangerous speed; driving in a dangerous manner;
What does the word ‘penalties’ mean?
Penalties include fines; disqualification from holding or applying for a licence; licence cancellation (lose your licence) , refusal or suspension; and in extreme cases, imprisonment / go to jail. Injury or death. You could also lose your car or your job.
All drivers must carry their licence with them every time they drive. Penalties also apply if you fail to produce your licence
Facilitator:
If you commit a traffic offence you can be given what is called ‘penalties’. This can be a:
· fine;
· disqualification from holding or applying for a licence;
· licence cancellation (losing your licence);
· losing your car (and as a result, your job);.
· and in extreme cases, imprisonment / going to jail.
All drivers must carry their licence with them every time they drive. Penalties also apply if you fail to produce your licence when asked by a police officer.
Actions:
Click on the numbered buttons to reveal examples of penalties and discuss.
Facilitator:
Let’s tell some stories we know…
Actions:
Talk about a person who has been given a fine for ……. And has not paid that fine.
The person has not seen any letters and doesn’t understand the rules …….
Facilitator asks the group - what will happen?
Check that participants understand that notification for committing an offence is given through letters in the mail. Ask participants where does their mail go and talk about paying attention to any letters they receive.
Click on the ’Play’ button to watch the video.
Watch and discuss the video.
Facilitator:
Remember, if you get a fine, you can call the Fines Recovery Unit (FRU) on 1800 111 530
Facilitator:
If the fine is not paid in the time allowed, the matter is referred to the Fines Recovery Unit.
The Fines Recovery Unit or FRU will:
· take payment for a fine;
· make time-to-pay arrangements so that you can pay small parts of the fine over time; and
· provide information to you and others about the enforcement if no other solution can be found.
Enforcement could include - licence and registration suspension; civil enforcement; and community work orders.
If you do not pay your fine, your licence may be suspended (taken away from you and you will not be allowed to drive a car), until the fine has been paid.
Actions:
Click on the numbered buttons to reveal the consequences of not paying a fine on time. Discuss with the group.
Actions:
Watch video and discuss.
Facilitator:
So, in summary - what are demerit points?
The Demerit Points Scheme only affects those drivers and riders who constantly break road laws putting you and your family in danger.
Full licence holders’ start with zero points and licences will only be affected if 12 or more points are accumulated within three years.
The system is tougher on young drivers on Learner or Provisional plates who will be affected after 5 points in 12 months.
Demerit points do not replace penalties like fines and licence suspension already in place for breaking the road rules.
Drivers still receive fines and the court (or the laws) has the power to suspend a licence for serious offences regardless of how many demerit points someone accumulates.
If you collect the maximum amount of demerit points under your licence type, your licence will be suspended.
However, you will have the opportunity to keep your licence by selecting a Good Driving Behaviour option. Under this option, you must drive safely for 12 months and not accumulate 2 or more points in that period. This option gives you the opportunity to change your driving behaviour.
Actions:
Watch video and discuss.
Facilitator:
So, in summary - what are demerit points?
The Demerit Points Scheme only affects those drivers and riders who constantly break road laws putting you and your family in danger.
Full licence holders’ start with zero points and licences will only be affected if 12 or more points are accumulated within three years.
The system is tougher on young drivers on Learner or Provisional plates who will be affected after 5 points in 12 months.
Demerit points do not replace penalties like fines and licence suspension already in place for breaking the road rules.
Drivers still receive fines and the court (or the laws) has the power to suspend a licence for serious offences regardless of how many demerit points someone accumulates.
If you collect the maximum amount of demerit points under your licence type, your licence will be suspended.
However, you will have the opportunity to keep your licence by selecting a Good Driving Behaviour option. Under this option, you must drive safely for 12 months and not accumulate 2 or more points in that period. This option gives you the opportunity to change your driving behaviour.