We are all looking forward to time off work and having that well deserved break over the Christmas period. But remember, whether you are relaxing at home with family, or are setting off on the road for a holiday, the police will be out in force making sure we all abide by the road rules, and double demerits apply wherever you may be headed.
Here is Kenny Spring's quick guide to staying safe and legal this Christmas break.
Double demerit points apply
Don’t forget double demerit points will be in force for certain traffic offences committed over the Christmas period from 23 December 2016 until 2 January 2016.
The offences which attract double demerit points relate primarily to speeding, not wearing helmets or seatbelts and using mobile phones.
The points lost will depend on your licence type and the nature of the offence, ranging from 1 demerit point, up to 6 for the most serious offences.
You can contest demerit point offences in Court, and if you are found not guilty or the matter is dismissed without conviction under s.10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act no demerit points will apply.
For those with unrestricted licences, you can’t appeal against a points suspension of your licence, although you can still contest the offence in Court. Learner and provisional licence holders do have a right of appeal to the Local Court against a points disqualification of their licence.
Travelling with pets
We all love taking our pets away with us on holidays but make sure they are properly restrained in your vehicle or you could get a fine.
Legal requirements for carrying bikes on your car
If you are taking your bikes away with you on your travels and have them mounted on the back of the car, you need to make sure the bikes don't obscure the numberplate or your brake lights.
If your numberplate is obscured by your bikes then you will need to get an auxiliary numberplate. This should be fitted to the bike rack that is attached to the back of your vehicle. For a full run down on the safety and legal requirements click here.
Drink driving
And of course, we all love a celebratory drink over Christmas, but make sure you keep within the legal limit or have a Plan B. All drink driving offences have disqualification periods and heavy fines if you are convicted, which will result in a criminal conviction. A criminal record may curtail your travel plans in the future, not only through loss of your licence but being denied access to certain countries.
Kenny Spring Solicitors wish you all a safe and legal Christmas!