How this driver lost 22 demerit points and $1800 in a single traffic stop

A NSW learner driver has been hit with nearly $1,800 in fines and an eye-watering 22 demerit points in a single traffic stop, prompting police to issue a stern reminder about the importance of following road rules – especially for novice drivers.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when Mittagong Highway Patrol officers clocked a silver Saab convertible travelling at 129km/h in a 110km/h zone on the Hume Highway near Penrose.

What initially appeared to be a simple speeding matter quickly snowballed into a catalogue of serious offences. The driver – a male holder of a NSW Learner's Class C licence – should not have been travelling above 90km/h and was also found not to be displaying the required yellow L plates on either the front or rear of the vehicle.

Upon stopping the vehicle at 4.15pm, officers discovered a mobile phone mounted near the steering wheel, playing a YouTube music video. When questioned, the driver swiped the screen to a map app and claimed he was "just looking at the map". In NSW, learner and provisional drivers are prohibited from using a mobile phone for any reason, including navigation.

Calls to change "racist" beach name

Compounding the offences, the driver’s female supervisor told police she had been asleep in the passenger seat – a direct violation of her legal duty to actively supervise the learner.

The full list of infringements included: Exceeding speed by more than 30km/h: $1,045 fine and 10 demerit points (doubled for long weekend); Learner using a mobile phone: $410 fine and 10 demerit points (doubled); Failure to display L plates: $320 fine and 2 demerit points (doubled).

With double demerits in effect due to the long weekend, the driver racked up 22 demerit points – far exceeding the four-point limit for learners – resulting in an automatic licence suspension, with a formal disqualification from NSW Transport to follow.

The female supervisor also received a penalty for failing to fulfil her supervisory obligations.

NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol officers said the case is a stark example of reckless behaviour behind the wheel and urged all drivers, especially learners, to understand and respect the rules of the road.

"I just got shot": Trump gives first interview after assassination attempt

Images: NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Command

“This is exactly what not to do,” an officer said.