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Motorist fined $4000 for dodgy driver's license tactic

<p>A prominent Sydney lawyer has warned Aussie drivers against falsely nominating someone to take on their demerit points after one of his clients was fined $4000 for the illegal act. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>,  Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh said that there has been a significant spike in the practice in recent months. </p> <p>"In 2024, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commenced a crackdown on false nominations of drivers," he told <em>Yahoo</em>.</p> <p> "There has been a widespread trend of people agreeing to take demerit points for other drivers.</p> <p>"The person nominated will usually charge a fee to take the demerit points. Often they are on international licences and may not even be in the country."</p> <p>He then explained the case of one of his clients who was issued a $4,000 fine for trying to offload their demerit points. </p> <p>"The reason the fine was so expensive was because the vehicle was registered as a company vehicle and the company had a record of previous offences," he explained.</p> <p>"As such, it was subject to the penalties for a corporation, which are significantly greater than that of an individual ($1,500)."</p> <p>He said the matter was listed at court where the $4,000 fine "could have been increased to $22,000".</p> <p>Singh managed to fight the fine on behalf of the driver, but warned that authorities are increasing their surveillance on this illegal act and have urged Aussies to remain vigilant. </p> <p>The tactic has gained popularity over the past few years, with the illegal service often being advertised on social media and the price of one demerit point going for anywhere between $30-$150.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook/ Yahoo</em></p>

Legal

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How long does it take to get demerit points back in New South Wales?

<p>The demerit point scheme in New South Wales is regulated by <a href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-018#ch.3-pt.3.2">Part 3.2 of the Road Transport Act 2013</a>, and its related regulations.</p> <p>How many demerit points do I have to accrue before I am suspended from driving?</p> <p>The law states that a driver will have their licence suspended if he or she accrues a specific number of demerit points within a three year period.</p> <p>The number of points relating to each licence type are as follows:</p> <ul> <li>Unrestricted licence: 13 points</li> <li>Professional driver: 14 points</li> <li>Provisional P2 licence: 7 points</li> <li>Provisional P1 licence: 4 points</li> <li>Learner licence: 4 points</li> </ul> <p>How long will I be suspended if I accrue these points?</p> <p><a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rta2013187/s33.html">Section 33 of the Act</a> prescribes the following periods of suspension in the event demerit points are accrued or exceeded:</p> <table border="0" width="814"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>Number of demerit points incurred within previous 3 years</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>Period of licence suspension</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>13 (or 14 in the case of a professional driver) to 15</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>3 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>16 to 19</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>4 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>20 or more</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>5 months</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Can I elect to have a good behaviour licence?</p> <p><a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rta2013187/:~:text=36%20Driver%20may%20elect%20to%20be%20of%20good%20behaviour%20as%20alternative,-(cf%20DL%20Act&amp;text=(3)%20If%20a%20pers">Section 36 of the Act</a> provides that a full licence holder who has accrued or exceeded his or her demerit point limit may apply for a <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/what-is-a-good-behaviour-licence-in-new-south-wales/">good behaviour licence</a>, instead of being suspended from driving.</p> <p>This licence lasts for a period of 12 months.</p> <p>If a driver accrues two or more demerit points while on a good behaviour licence, he or she will be suspended from driving in accordance with the following table:</p> <table border="0" width="814"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="200"> <p><strong>Demerit Points</strong></p> </td> <td width="200"> <p><strong>Original Suspension</strong></p> </td> <td width="200"> <p><strong>Suspension for a breach on a good behaviour licence</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="200"> <p>13 to 15</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>3 months</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>6 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="200"> <p>16 to 19</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>4 months</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>8 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="200"> <p>20 or more</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>5 months</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>10 months</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>How long does it take to get my demerit points back?</p> <p>According to the Act, demerit points are subject to deletion 3 years after the date of the offence for which the points are accrued.</p> <p>So, for example, if 3 demerit points are accrued for an offence of speeding by more than 10km/h but not more than 20km/h on 5 April 2021, those demerit points are subject to deletion 3 years after 5 April 2021; although, for administrative reasons, the RMS may exercise discretion to add a reasonable period, to allow for payments and potential appeals.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/demerits-offences/demerit-points/how-it-works.html">RMS website</a>, this period may be an additional 4 months.</p> <p><a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rta2013187/s41a.html">The Act also states that</a> all demerit points are deleted upon the commencement of any driver licence suspension.</p> <p>Going to court for a traffic offence?</p> <p>If you are going to court over a traffic offence, call Sydney Criminal Lawyers anytime on (02) 9261 8881 for expert advice and formidable representation by one of our <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/videos/appeals-against-driver-licence-suspensions-by-the-rms/">experienced traffic lawyers</a>.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission from <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-demerit-points-back-in-new-south-wales/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a> </em></p>

Legal

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“It doesn’t look half bad”: Fake number plate draws acclaim

<p>An Ohio man’s uniquely creative approach to rustling up a fake licence plate has drawn laughs – and some acclaim – from around the world after he was booked by US police when they spotted something a little off with his number plate.</p> <p>The driver was pulled over in Millersburg, Ohio, on September 2, and at the time a Millersburg highway patrol officer said in a statement on Facebook: “Something just didn’t seem right about this particular licence plate.”</p> <p>It turns out – yep, you guessed it – the driver’s licence plate had been completely drawn on, and quite realistically too.</p> <p>“After further investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle had no insurance and was driving on a suspended licence,” police explained further, before adding: “Pro Tip: Don’t forget to draw the registration sticker.”</p> <p>While the ultimate penalty handed down to this particular driver remains unknown, reactions to his creative effort had people on Facebook highly amused.</p> <p>“I ain’t even mad,” commented one woman, “that’s dedication.”</p> <p>Another man added “you can’t knock that effort”.</p> <p>And even more went on to comment that the hand-drawn effort was actually surprisingly well done.</p> <p>“I mean... it doesn’t look half bad, if I’m being real,” wrote one commenter.</p> <p>“From art class to the jail house,” said another.</p> <p>Many others agreed that the police could perhaps have spent their time catching more serious perpetrators.</p> <p><strong>Image:</strong> Facebook / Millersburg Police</p>

Travel Trouble

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Mum’s disbelief at hilarious new licence photo

<p>Young mum Jane Dodd from Tennessee in the US was a little shocked – but mostly amused – when her brand new driver’s licence arrived in the post.</p> <p>Instead of the usual awkward headshot of herself that we’ve all learned to dread seeing on our most trusted form of identification, there was simply an image of an empty chair.</p> <p>Ms Dodd had elected to renew her licence online, but was certainly not expecting to have her headshot replaced by a common piece of furniture from the licencing centre. So she immediately called up to alert them to the problem – believing, quite correctly, that she would encounter all kinds of issues if she actually tried to use the odd piece of ID out in the real world.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjadeisjaded%2Fposts%2F3898104436882647&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=552&amp;appId=261350607345818&amp;height=523" width="552" height="523" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> </p> <p>The problem then escalated, as Ms Dodd found it very difficult to even get anyone at the licencing centre to believe her.</p> <p>“The lady … did not really believe me when I was like, ‘Hey, I need my licence fixed,’ Ms Dodd told a local radio station after being interviewed. “Then she looked it up in the system and goes, ‘Oh, I need my manager for this’.”</p> <p>It turns out this was definitely a first for the licencing centre in question. Wes Moster from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said was able to get to the bottom of mix-up, explaining to a local news outlet:</p> <p>“When the customer visited the Driver Services Centre a few years ago, an examiner made an error by capturing and saving the wrong photo (of an empty chair) to the customer’s profile. When the customer recently renewed her driver licence online, she received an image of a chair because that was the last picture taken on file.”</p> <p>That simple and perfectly reasonable explanation didn’t prevent the outpouring of hilarious reactions when Ms Dodd posted her predicament on Facebook.</p> <p>“What the heck? I’m not sure if I should laugh or what!?” commented one user.</p> <p>“Are you a vampire?” another joked.</p> <p>“Wait! You have super powers - Invisibility!” wrote a third.</p> <p>While the responses and mirth have not yet subsided, Ms Dodd has now had a replacement ID issued with her proper headshot in its place – but she will definitely be holding onto the unique original “just for a laugh”.</p> <p>Image Source: Jade Dodd / Facebook</p>

Travel Trouble

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How do we remain safe drivers through the decades?

<p>While research has shown that older drivers are generally just as safe as drivers of younger ages, there is no doubt that some of us have deterioration in certain functions as we age. For some, this may affect our ability to maintain our driving standards and perhaps there have even been a couple of incidents that have shaken our confidence and stopped us from wanting to get behind the wheel at all.</p> <p>This sudden loss of independence can have a major impact on our ability to get out and about and enjoy life, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Safe driving courses tailored for older aged drivers can make a real difference to maintaining our driving abilities, even if we start to lose some of our physical capacities.</p> <p><strong>Time to self-assess</strong> <br />The trend by road and traffic authorities around the world in recent times is generally to move away from age-based driving tests and making blanket assumptions about older drivers. Instead the focus is on encouraging older drivers to self-assess, so that they are more aware of any drop off in ability and can take remedial action such as driving courses aimed at their specific needs.</p> <p>Issues such as increased reaction times, deterioration in vision, reduced perception about speed and distance, limited ability to turn your head and becoming easily fatigued are all impairments that can creep up on us as we age. The first step, therefore, is to make an honest self-assessment of how you may be affected by such things and get some feedback from family or friends about whether they have noticed a drop off in driving ability.</p> <p><strong>Never too old to learn</strong> <br />If you or those close to you feel that there may be an issue with how your physical condition is affecting your driving then a logical next step is to have an independent assessment by someone who can give an objective opinion and is trained in evaluating the challenges that some older drivers face. Your state motoring association is a good place to seek out such an assessment and driving schools may also be able to help.</p> <p>These organisations also offer safe driving courses or refresher courses that can help you adapt your driving to compensate for any issues you have. Their assessment will also enable them to make recommendations on potential driving situations that you should avoid, such as driving at night or avoiding peak traffic periods.</p> <p><strong>A chance to polish your skills</strong> <br />Most of us obtained our licence in our teens or early twenties and in all the decades of driving since that time we have been under no obligation to take any test or assessment or to formally refresh our skills. Once you consider this it simply makes good common sense to brush up on your skills and get an objective opinion in later life, preferably before any major issues present themselves.</p> <p>While there is certainly no substitute for years of successful driving experience, there could be some bad habits that have gradually become embedded in our driving behaviour.</p> <p>Things like creeping slightly over the speed limit or forgetting to follow the ‘3 second gap’ rule with the car in front can become real issues if our reaction time, vision and ability to focus are deteriorating with age. These are the kinds of things that a senior’s driving course can pinpoint and address in a non-threatening and supportive environment.</p> <p>Apart from correcting bad habits, a refresher course can also help you gain some proactive skills, such as scanning techniques and adjusting your road position and speed to make allowance for reduction in your capacities.</p> <p><strong>Tips for staying on the road</strong> <br />Apart from a formal course, there are other things you can do to help retain your ability to continue driving. Doing things to keep physically fit and mentally alert are essential to support your driving ability. Speak to your health professionals about what physical and mental exercise program you should follow to help keep your strength, flexibility, mobility and alertness.</p> <p>Considering your car choice can also be a major factor. The technology available in modern cars can provide an extra margin of safety and help supplement your driving performance, through features such as automatic emergency braking, reversing cameras, fatigue detection and adaptive cruise control. Perhaps it is time to update that favourite older car with something a bit more modern to help you stay on the road longer.</p> <p><em>Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/wyza-life/how-do-we-remain-safer-drivers-through-the-decades.aspx"><em>Wyza.com.au.</em></a></p>

Retirement Life

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Is this the end of ID cards? The new change coming to your driver’s license

<p>Say goodbye to your ID cards because digital driver's licences are set to be trialled in Sydney from November.</p> <p>The opt-in scheme will be available to more than 140,000 drivers across the city's eastern suburbs.</p> <p>The trial will have licenses available on drivers’ smartphones and can be used to gain entry to pubs and clubs, as well as for roadside police checks within the trial area.   </p> <p><img id="i-2be3c8ddaca6f1ed" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" src="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/20/09/4F3B4AA900000578-6077835-image-a-2_1534755428456.jpg" alt="Digital driver's licences are set to be trialled in Sydney as part of an opt-in scheme " width="634" height="317" /></p> <p>Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello announced the new trial on Monday.  </p> <p>“Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we're using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,” Mr Dominello said. </p> <p>“If you're going to the movies you can use your phone to get in, if you’re going to the airport you can get an eticket. Now we're making it even more convenient if you go to a pub or club in the trail area, you can use your digital driver's license.”</p> <p>The digital license will have increased protection against identity fraud, said Mr Dominello</p> <p>“A digital driver's license is far more secure than a plastic card because you can't lose your digital ID,” he added.</p> <p>“Parliament has approved new laws to enable a state-wide roll-out of the technology. This trial will bring us a step closer to delivering on that promise.”</p> <p>Drivers who opt-in for the trial will still have to carry their physical licence with them. </p> <p>The Sydney scheme follows a successful <strong><u><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/insurance/aussie-state-to-introduce-digital-drivers-licences">trial in NSW’s Dubbo</a></u></strong>, which included 1400 participants and a 83 per cent customer satisfaction rating.</p>

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"Get through this so you can do this": Inspirational Sophie Delezio overcomes new challenge

<p>Sophie Delezio made headlines twice as a little girl after miraculously escaping two horrific car accidents.</p> <p>Now, the 17-year-old has spoken to the <em>Today</em> show about how she approaches life with a positive attitude and the one challenge that she recently passed with flying colours.</p> <p>“Knowing that I can't change who I am, I just have to push through and get on with life,” she told Today's co-host Georgie Gardner.</p> <p>“Each surgery I have makes it easier for me to move and do certain things so that attitude ‘get through this so you can do this’.”</p> <p>Sophie finished the required 120 hours for her NSW driver’s licence in only eight months after driving to and from school every day.</p> <p>She revealed that she wanted to finally <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/2018/04/sophie-delezio-exciting-news/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>have her licence</strong></span></a>, so she could feel independent without the assistance of her parents Ron and Carolyn or a carer.</p> <p>“I need help most of the time just to drive me around because it's harder for me to catch transport so just the fact that I'd be able to take myself places and not having to ask for that extra assistance,” she said before taking her driver's licence test.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="630" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7817667/1_498x630.jpg" alt="1 (123)"/></p> <p>Despite the challenges she has faced, Sophie has a positive outlook on life.</p> <p>“Everyone goes through hard parts in their life and yeah there have been struggles that I have had to overcome but that happens to anyone in any situation,” she said. </p> <p>“The main thing is that I've overcome them.”</p> <p>In 2003, Sophie suffered third degree burns to 85 per cent of her body after a car smashed through the wall of her day-care centre in Sydney while she was napping.</p> <p>After the crash, Sophie was left fighting for her life in a coma for three months and lost an ear, the fingers on her right hand and both feet.</p> <p>In 2006, another car accident occurred, and Sophie was thrown 18 metres from her wheelchair as she crossed the road.</p> <p>She suffered a bleeding on the brain, a heart attack and severe injuries including a broken jaw, fractured shoulder and a tear to her lung. She also lost her sense of smell.</p> <p>In an interview with <em>Woman’s Day</em> earlier this month, Sophie revealed how her past trauma has not deterred her from learning how to drive.</p> <p>“I'm in heaven as long as I'm the one in the driver's seat and in control. I just love to drive. I enjoy the way it makes me feel... free,” she said.</p> <p>Since her tragic accidents, Sophie has undergone countless surgeries, including multiple operations to stretch her scalp to allow hair follicles to be implanted.</p> <p>Now, Sophie has thick brown hair after finding a hairdresser who could give her hair extensions.</p> <p>Sophie owns three pair sof prosthetic limbs, one she wears for running and flat shoes, and two with adjustable soles for heels.</p> <p>Last year, she proved her courage and determination once again after going skydiving in New Zealand, describing it as “one of the coolest experiences of my life”.</p> <p>Sophie is currently in her final year of high school and plans to study in the UK next year.</p> <p>“I'm always telling myself I need to crack down and study, but I'm also here to live life, and the busier I am, the better,” she told the magazine.</p>

News

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Aussie state to introduce digital drivers' licences

<p>An Australian state is set to introduce a controversial new trial of digital driver’s licenses, which will be stored as a usable app in driver’s individual smartphones.</p> <p>The new technology will be rolled out in New South Wales, in what’s being described as the state’s biggest overhaul of drivers’ licences in nearly 30 years.</p> <p>More than 700 people have signed up to the trial which will take place in Dubbo in the state’s west, with authorities keen to test the viability of this technology.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVictorDominelloMP%2Fvideos%2F1649387715125126%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="420" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>“People live and breathe by their phones because it is their mobile office… everything in their life is on these phones,” Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said.</p> <p>“Even if you lose your phone, the data will still be there and the encryption will ensure it is secure.”</p> <p>If successful, the trail could be replicated state-wide.</p> <p>“Nowadays, it is pretty easy to get your hands on a fake license, but this will negate that,” Shawn Morris from Crown Hotel said.</p> <p>“It makes my job a lot easier and it makes compliance issues a lot easier.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Is this a good idea?</p>

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