Smoking in a car with a child 01.07.2009
From 1 July 2009, smoking in a car with a child under the age of 16 is against the law. A $250 on the spot fine applies to the driver and any passenger who breaks the law.
What is the new law?
The Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 creates a new offence of smoking in a car with a child under 16 years of age in the vehicle. If a passenger is smoking, the driver will also be liable. The law comes into effect on 1 July 2009.
How will the law be enforced?
NSW Police will enforce the ban on smoking in cars with children. If a person elects not to pay the fine and have the matter dealt with by a court, the maximum fine that may be imposed by a magistrate is $1,100.
Why is this new law in place?
The NSW Government introduced new laws to protect children from second-hand tobacco smoke. Second-hand tobacco smoke harms children’s growing lungs. Other new laws include placing tobacco products out of sight in shops and increasing penalties for selling tobacco products to children.
Minister announces change to demerit point scheme 15.06.2009
Minister for Roads Michael Daley announced the new demerit point scheme would be introduced on 1 July 2009 to make the system fairer for motorists and our roads safer for the entire community.
Mr Daley said the RTA had worked in close conjunction with the NSW Police and the State Debt Recovery Office to introduce the new system as quickly as possible.
“When I announced the new system in March of this year, I asked the RTA to make the changes to the demerit point system their number one priority,” he said.
“I’m pleased to announce today that the new demerit point will be introduced on 1 July, two months ahead of schedule.
“There is no such thing as safe speeding but I have always acknowledged that the system could be fairer for motorists who inadvertently speed by just a few kilometres over the limit.
“That’s why we’ve reduced the demerit point penalty for people caught driving up to 10kmh from three points to one.
“But the more you speed, the more harshly you will be punished and make no mistake – anyone caught doing more than 10kmh over the limit is either deliberately speeding or not paying attention and these motorists will not escape lightly.
“There is no place for these drivers on our roads and this new system makes sure that message is loud and clear,” Mr Daley said.
From 1 July, the following demerit point system will apply for unrestricted licence holders:
1 to 10kmh over the speed limit will attract one demerit point and an $84 fine;
11 to 20kmh over the speed limit will attract three demerit points and a $197 fine;
21 to 30kmh over the speed limit will attract four demerit points and a $338 fine;
31 to 45kmh will result in a three month suspension, five demerit points and a $647 fine;
Over 45kmh will result in a six month suspension, six demerit points and a $1,744 fine.
“The new bands have been designed to drive down the number of speeding-related deaths and injuries by better reflecting the seriousness of the offence,” he said.
Mr Daley said that the NSW Government would continue to build on its policy to stamp out speeding among P plate drivers, with the penalties for P2 drivers to increase.
“P2 drivers caught speeding from 1kmh to 30kmh over the limit will lose an additional demerit point from next month,” he said.
“This means that P2 drivers will lose their licence on their second speeding offence and P1 drivers will continue to lose their licence for just one offence.
“The RTA will now roll out a comprehensive awareness campaign to get the message out to drivers across NSW.
“This will include a letter to all P plate drivers, warning them of the new tougher new penalties that will apply to them from next month,” Mr Daley said.
Demerit point scheme
On Monday 2 March 2009, the Minister for Roads Michael Daley announced that the demerit point scheme had been changed to make the system fairer for motorists and safer for all NSW road users.
He said the changes would be implemented within six months and he warned motorists that current fines and demerit point losses would apply until then.
The Minister said lower level speeding offences would be defined in 10kmh bands to better reflect advice about speeding and road safety and align them more closely with speed zones.
The lowest range offence would now incur one demerit point, rather than the current three, with motorists who drive up to 10kmh over the limit losing one demerit point and being fined $81.
"We need to update the RTA's database to reflect all of the changes and this process also needs to flow on to the NSW Police and Office of State Revenue databases - this all takes time."
"We expect the changes will be in place within six months but I want people to know that demerit point losses will not be retrospective - so motorists should continue to watch their speed."
“There is no such thing as safe speeding,” he said.
The changes to fines and demerit points for higher level offences are designed to drive down the number of speeding related deaths and injuries on NSW roads.
Mr Daley said the changes will also affect P1 and P2 licence holders, who are over-represented in speed-related fatal crashes.
Changes to older driver licensing
 To better balance the safety of all road users with the independence and mobility of older drivers, changes to the licensing system are in effect from 1 December 2008.
The main changes are outlined below.
If you’re an older driver, the main changes that will affect you are:
Annual medical check-ups now start from the age of 75, instead of 80. Eight weeks before your birthday each year, you’ll receive a medical report form for your doctor to complete, which you’ll need to return to any RTA motor registry.
Practical driving assessments for drivers from the age of 85 will now be every two years (age 85, 87, 89 etc) instead of every year.
Drivers now have the option of taking a driving assessment from home. Assessments can now be conducted in many areas of NSW by driving instructors accredited by the RTA, on a ‘fee for service’ basis. This gives you the option to take an assessment from your home rather than from an RTA motor registry. However, you still have the option of taking the driving assessment from the RTA at no charge.
Drivers have the option of a modified licence and will not be required to take an assessment. If you’re still a competent driver but no longer feel comfortable driving in certain situations (for example, driving over long distances), talk to your local RTA motor registry. The manager may issue you with a modified licence based on your individual driving needs. A practical assessment is not required for a modified licence.
Nearly 85? Look out for your copy of 'A guide to older driver licensing'
This guide contains more detailed information on the new licensing system, including what to expect when you’re tested.
You can expect to receive your first copy in the mail just prior to your 85th birthday. Alternatively, you can download a copy from the box at the bottom of this page or pick one up at your local RTA registry.
Prefer to speak with someone?
If you’d like to speak to someone about the new system, including information on accredited assessors, call the RTA Older Driver Hotline on 1300 663 628.
A guide for older drivers
This guide aims to give older drivers information about how to determine whether they are driving safely, how to continue to drive safely and when to hand their licences in to the RTA.
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