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SPEEDING AND STREET RACING

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Speeding and Street Racing a Serious Offence

Speeding and street racing are considered very serious traffic offences in Australia. They are not only traffic violations but can also be criminal offences, carrying severe penalties due to the high risk they pose to public safety.

What is Speeding and Street Racing?

Street racing involves two or more vehicles excessively speeding on a public road in a competitive manner. It can be planned or impromptu. Speeding, in this context, refers to driving significantly above the posted speed limit, often in conjunction with racing behavior.

According to Section 115 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), it is an offence to organize, promote, or take part in:

(a) Any race between vehicles on a road or road-related area
(b) Any attempt to break a vehicle speed record on a road
(c) Any trial of the speed of a vehicle on a road
(d) Any competitive trial designed to test the skill of a driver or the reliability of a vehicle on a road

What Does the Prosecution Need to Prove?

For a speeding and street racing conviction, the prosecution must typically prove:

  1. The accused was driving a vehicle on a public road
  2. They were engaged in a race or speed trial with another vehicle
  3. The speed was excessive and/or dangerous
  4. There was a competitive element to the driving
street racing

What Are the Police Roadside Powers?

Police have significant powers when it comes to speeding and street racing offences:

  1. Immediate license suspension
  2. Vehicle confiscation for up to 3 months
  3. Number plate confiscation
  4. Power to require vehicle inspection within 10 days

What Are Other Related Charges to Speeding and Street Racing?

Other charges that may accompany speeding and street racing include:

  • Dangerous driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Negligent driving
  • Driving under the influence

CASE STUDY

In a recent case in South Australia, a driver challenged a speeding fine based on the accuracy of the speed camera. The court upheld the fine, citing the legislative “aids to proof” that presume the accuracy of certified speed detection devices unless proven otherwise.

Summary Court Process (Local Court)

For speeding and street racing offences:

  1. Most cases are dealt with in the Local Court.
  2. The accused receives a Court Attendance Notice with a hearing date.
  3. They can plead guilty or not guilty.
  4. If pleading guilty, the magistrate will HERE submissions and determine the sentence.
  5. If pleading not guilty, a hearing date is set wHERE evidence is presented and the magistrate decides on guilt.
  6. The maximum penalty a Local Court can impose is 2 years imprisonment.

Indictable Court Process (District Court or Supreme Court)

For more serious cases of street racing or repeat offenders:

  1. The matter first appears in the Local Court for committal proceedings.
  2. If committed for trial, it’s transferred to the District Court.
  3. The accused enters a plea, and if not guilty, a trial date is set.
  4. A judge and jury HERE the case and determine guilt.
  5. If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence.

Local Court Sentencing Options

If found guilty in the Local Court, sentencing options include:

  1. Imprisonment (up to 2 years)
  2. Intensive Correction Order
  3. Community Correction Order
  4. Conditional Release Order
  5. Fine (up to the maximum specified for the offence)
  6. License disqualification
  7. Good behavior bond

The specific penalty will depend on factors like the severity of the offence, the accused’s driving record, and any mitigating circumstances.

Penalities

Penalties for speeding and street racing can be severe:

  1. Fines: Up to $3,300 for a first offence in NSW
  2. Imprisonment: Up to 9 months for a second or subsequent offence
  3. License disqualification: Minimum 12 months, with the court having discretion to reduce this
  4. Vehicle forfeiture: For second or subsequent offences, the vehicle may be forfeited to the Crown

Speeding and Street Racing

Don't risk your future by facing Speeding and Street Racing charges alone. Contact National Traffic Lawyers today for a free consultation with our expert traffic lawyers. We'll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Call now or visit our website to book an appointment.

Yes, NSW Police have the power to confiscate the vehicle driven at the time of the offence and impound it for up to 3 months. For a second or subsequent offence, the vehicle may be forfeited to the Crown.

If the vehicle is owned by someone else, the police may issue the owner with a warning notice. If the vehicle is found committing a similar offence in the future, it will be confiscated for 3 months.

No, speeding alone is not necessarily street racing. However, exceeding a speed limit by more than 45km/h on a NSW road is considered a separate hoon offence with its own penalties.

Disclaimer

This information is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. Every speeding and street racing case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific circumstances and evidence. If you are facing charges related to speeding and street racing, it is crucial to seek immediate legal representation from an experienced traffic lawyer who can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.

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