tas crash mercury
Carsales Staff26 Aug 2017
NEWS

Tasmania throws book at dangerous drivers

"Dangerous driving" offenders to face up to 21 years in jail, up from two years

Tasmania has this week approved new laws to deter dangerous drivers.

The new legislation is aimed at reducing road trauma and fatalities in Tasmania. The acting Attorney-General of Tasmania, Matthew Groom, said dangerous driving would not be tolerated in the Apple Isle.

"I am very pleased the Government's legislation to crack down on dangerous driving has today passed the Legislative Council," said Groom.

"Dangerous driving is a scourge that can result in lives being lost and families being torn apart, and these strong laws will send the right message that it will not be tolerated on our roads."

Instead of being lumped into "Traffic Act" legislation, dangerous driving is now part of the "Criminal Code Act" in Tasmania. Therefore, the maximum punishment exacted for a first offense rises from two years in prison to 21 years.

Another ramification of 'dangerous driving' moving to the criminal code act means that it is an indictable offence, and goes to the Supreme Court now, "better reflecting the seriousness of the offence," says Groom.

Other changes include:

>> An increase of one year to the maximum sentence applicable where an individual is found guilty of negligent driving causing death

>> An increase of six months to the maximum sentence applicable where an individual is found guilty of negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm

>> Allowing alternative convictions for negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm where an offender is charged with dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm and the offence is not proved, provided there is sufficient evidence to prove the alternative offence.

Image: www.mercury.com.au

Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.