Transport and the Law (LMS)

Transport & the Law Course: LAWS1112 Law for Everyday Lives Week 3 Overview

Assessment Information

• In-class test (30%): 15 multiple choice questions (5 on Criminality, 5 on Transport, 5 on Housing).Allowed: One double-sided A4 page of notes.

• Final exam (60%): Includes multiple choice and short answer questions; open book format with unlimited notes.

Overview of Topics

Focus on driving offences and public transport to protect oneself in case of a crash.

• Driving offences (e.g., phone use, drink driving)

• Parking fines and infringement notices

• Procedures after accidents

• Importance of car insurance

• Brief public transport offences

Driving Offences

Focus on laws regarding driving behaviours.

Sources of Driving Offences

1. Primary Legislation: Laws from parliament (statutes, acts)

2. Delegated Legislation: Detailed regulations (by-laws, codes)

Key Statutes:

• Road Traffic Act 1974 (WA): Serious offences (e.g., reckless driving).

• Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA): Traffic offences and regulations.

• Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 (WA): Definitions and powers of officials.

Demerit Points System

• Ranges from 1 to 7 points per offence; expire after 3 years.

• Consequences:

  • Learners: Lose license after 4 points.

  • P platers: 8 points.

  • Full license: 12 points.

Emergency Driving

Recommended call for an ambulance instead of driving without a license; first offence incurs $300 fine.

Bus Lane Regulations

Driving in bus lanes may incur a $100 fine and 3 demerits; only buses and emergency vehicles allowed.

Drink Driving Limits

• BAC below 0.049: No offence unless learner/P plater.

• BAC over 0.08: Police disqualification and court prosecution.

Use of Technology While Driving

Definitions of “use” and “held” regarding mobile phones.

FAQ

• Infringement Notices: Issued for traffic offences; parking fines by local councils.

• Contesting Fines: 28-day period to pay or challenge fines.

• Post-Accident Procedures: Stop, assist injured, report depending on damage.

Car Insurance

Key terms include premium, excess, and types of car insurance ranked by coverage level.

Public Transport Authority Powers

Transit officers have powers similar to police; related offences under Public Transport Authority Act.