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Police in Australia have warned drivers who are caught paying others to take their demerit points that they could face hefty fines and even a criminal conviction.
The practice, which is becoming increasingly common, involves drivers offering payment to family members or friends in exchange for taking the demerit points associated with traffic violations. There are several black market advertisements in online marketplaces offering the same service.
“Demerit points, $70 each… please message me,” one ad on the Facebook marketplace noted.
These points can quickly add up and result in a driver’s licence being suspended or revoked, so the temptation to pay others to take the points is understandable.
However, police are sending a clear message that this is an unacceptable practice, which could lead to hefty fines and even criminal charges if caught.
The NSW Road Transport Minister Andrew Constance said, “It is illegal for drivers to pay someone else to take their demerit points, and this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
In NSW, the penalty for offering or accepting payment in exchange for taking on another person’s demerit points is a fine of up to $11,000 and a criminal conviction.
While the person who wrongfully nominates another person is subject to a $723 fine.
The driving licence suspension threshold for NSW drivers is 13 demerit points or more within three years and 18 demerit points or more within five years.
Once these thresholds are exceeded, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) will suspend the driver’s licence for three months.
Therefore, drivers must understand the risks associated with this practice and take steps to ensure they do not break the law.
Moreover, police urge drivers to consider all their options before attempting to pay someone else for taking on their demerit points. This includes enrolling in a driving improvement program or seeking help from road safety authorities if needed. By doing so, drivers can help ensure they remain safe and compliant on the roads.
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