No matter how well you think you know the road rules, there is never a reason to be complacent. It is a useful exercise to periodically check your road rule knowledge. You never know when it may save you from getting fined or from causing a collision. Please read the ACT Road Rules Handbook (ACT Road Transport Authority), the Australian Road Rules (National Transport Commission), the 'Road Ready' quiz (Road Ready website) or familiarise yourself with the relevant ACT Government legislation.
Licence demerit points
ACT traffic infringements are issued for speeding, unregistered vehicles, negligent driving and other traffic related offences. In addition to paying a fine, many infringments also result in loss of licence points.
Licence holders who accrue more than their allowed demerit points over a three-year period are subject to a period of licence suspension. The more demerit points that are accumulated during the three years, the longer the period of suspension that is applied.
For more information, visit the Territory and Municipal Services website.
Random vehicle inspections and defect notices
Any vehicle on a road and road related areas in the ACT might be subject to a random inspection. This includes vehicles, whether occupied or not, in car parks and other road related areas. The inspection takes only a few minutes.
Should any faults be identified, a major or minor defect notice, or a warning notice, may be issued.
If a defect notice has been issued, you must have the vehicle inspected at the Dickson Vehicle Inspection Station, or by an authorised examiner, in accordance with the instructions in the notice.
Defect notices must be cleared within of the date of issue. Failure to clear a defect notice may result in suspension and, ultimately, cancellation of the vehicle's registration.
For more information, visit the ACT registration website.