SA: Drivers to be forced to carry licences in SA

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2008
SA: Drivers to be forced to carry licences in SA

ADELAIDE, Feb 11 AAP - South Australian drivers who don't carry their licences while
on the road will soon face a $100 on-the-spot fine.

The state government is drawing up legislation to provide for the penalty and close
a loophole used by some drivers to escape other traffic fines or penalties.

At present, only provisional licence holders are required to carry their licence while
driving. This means drivers stopped for other offences can give a false name to escape
penalties.

Road Safety Minister Carmel Zollo said the rule change would prevent people from cheating
the system.

"It is about helping us reduce serious and repeat traffic offending in our state," she said.

Police have endorsed the proposed new law with Assistant Commissioner Grant Stevens
saying it would help officers identify those who should not be on the roads.

"The proposed legislation will assist patrols in establishing the identification of
drivers at the time they are pulled over and reduces the ability of people to provide
false information," he said.

"It needs to be remembered that people who have been disqualified from driving have
generally committed a serious road safety offence and should not be on our roads for very
good reasons.

"Others may endeavour to drive outside their licence conditions, which can also add
safety risks for other road users.

"The obligation to carry a licence makes it more difficult to disregard those restrictions."

The state government said Queensland and Victoria were considering similar legislation.

AAP tjd/jl/cdh

KEYWORD: LICENCE

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