Safe drivers are to have their fines waived on a range of minor driving offences in a new road safety bid to encourage positive behaviour change.
Announced by the Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, drivers will be allowed to apply to have fines waived for low level offences – including speeding offences under 10km/hr or driving in a bus or transit lane – from 3 April.
Ms Ward said school zone, heavy vehicle, red light, mobile phone and speeding offences above 10km per hour would not be eligible under the scheme in view of the serious safety risks involved.
She said enhancing road safety was at the core of the policy.
“To be eligible, motorists have to have a clean driving record for three years,” Ms Ward said.
“This policy rewards good drivers and provides a real incentive to put safety first.”
Minister for Finance, Damien Tudehope said greater awareness of the scheme would encourage positive behaviour change.
“Receiving a fine can come as an unwelcome shock but under this policy, motorists will have cause to reflect on how an extended clean driving record can bring relief,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The average NSW licence holder drives 12,000km per annum and maintaining a clean driving record over three years should be recognised and rewarded.”
He said that in 2021 there were 227,500 fines issued for low level offences to motorists with a three-year clean driving record, totalling $39.2 million in fines.
