DKT- All traffic offences bring some kind of penalty.
- Penalties include fines, losing your learner permit or licence, and being taken to court.
- Many offences also carry demerit points, and prison can be imposed in serious cases.
- New drivers need a good driving record to move through the licensing stages.
The main kinds of penalty
| Penalty | In plain words | More detail |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | A money penalty. Unpaid fines are followed up by Fines Victoria. | Fines and infringement notices |
| Demerit points | Points recorded against your licence or permit for certain offences. | Demerit points |
| Suspension, cancellation, disqualification | You lose the right to drive, or to apply for a licence, for a set time. | Suspension and cancellation |
| Vehicle impoundment | Your vehicle can be taken off you for serious offences. | Vehicle impoundment |
| Court and prison | A court can impose a jail term as well as a fine in some cases. | Below |
What is a good driving record?
To progress through the Graduated Licensing System you need a good driving record. For a new driver that means two things: your licence has not been cancelled or suspended, and you have no drink-driving or drug-driving offences. Without one, your probationary period is extended. If your licence is cancelled, the probationary period starts again from the beginning. See the 10 steps to your licence.
Why a licence can be lost
A licence or learner permit may be suspended or cancelled because of a court conviction, a Traffic Infringement Notice, built-up demerit points, action by Fines Victoria or action by VicRoads. While it is suspended or cancelled you are not allowed to drive, and severe penalties apply if you do. See unlicensed and disqualified driving.
Serious example: leaving a crash
If you are in a crash that causes death or injury and you do not stop and help, you can face a very large fine, up to 10 years in prison and loss of your licence for at least two years. Read crash responsibilities.
Specific offences are covered in other pages: drink driving, drug driving and phone and seatbelt offences.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
What happens if you break a road rule in Victoria?
Every traffic offence brings some kind of penalty, such as a fine, loss of your licence or permit, or a court appearance. Many offences also carry demerit points.
What is a good driving record in Victoria?
Your licence has not been cancelled or suspended and you have no drink or drug driving offences. New drivers need one to move through the licensing stages.