HOONING! P-Plater laws

P1 laws Must carry driver licence when driving. Must display red P plates. Must not use a mobile phone of any kind. No hands-free or hand-held, or any messaging (includes reading text messages). Must not tow another motor vehicle or a trailer. This restriction will not apply in the following circumstances: unless in the course of the holders employment and at the request of the employer, or it is being solely used in connection with agriculture, horticulture, dairying, pastoral or other similar pursuits or commercial; fishing, or an experienced driver is sitting beside the probationary P1 driver licence holder. Must not drive a prohibited probationary vehicle. This restriction will not apply in the following circumstances: a member of the police force and is driving a motor vehicle in the course of duty, or when a probationary driver is driving the vehicle in the course of the drivers employment and at the employer’s request, or in the course of the drivers business or to and from the work place of that business, and where an Australian Business Number (ABN) is in force. when the probationary driver is learning to drive a heavy vehicle and an experience driver holding an Australian driver licence for that category is sitting beside the driver and a driver under instruction plate is affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle. Must not carry more than one peer passenger aged 16 to less than 22 years of age. This restriction will not apply in the following circumstances: a driver who is driving an emergency vehicle in the course of employment or duties or in accordance with terms of a contract or any engagement, or whose driver licence is subject to a condition that prevents carriage of more than one other person, or when an experienced driver is sitting beside the driver, or who is driving a motor vehicle while under the instruction of a driving coach who is present in the vehicle, or when Vic Roads has granted an exemption from this restriction. Must have a zero blood alcohol content (BAC).

P2 laws Must carry P2 licence when driving. Must display green P plates. This restriction will not apply in the following circumstances: a member of the police force and is driving a motor vehicle in the course of duty, or a member of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) who is driving a motor vehicle in the course of fire fighting operations, or driving an ambulance service or a Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) vehicle in the course of duty. Must not use a mobile phone of any kind. No hands-free or hand-held, or any messaging (includes reading text messages). Must not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle. This restriction will not apply in the following circumstances: when a probationary driver is driving the vehicle in the course of the drivers employment and at the employer’s request, or in the course of the drivers business or to and from the work place of that business, and where an Australian Business Number (ABN) is in force, or when the probationary driver is learning to drive a heavy vehicle and an experience driver holding an Australian driver licence for that category is sitting beside the driver and a driver under instruction plate is affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle. Must have a zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).

Mill park car accident In the 17th of January 2010, Steven Johnstone killed himself along with 4 others and one survivor that were in the car with him at the time of his accident, being 19 years of age he had three traffic infringement noticed all in 9 months of him getting his licence. The Accident happened just after midnight on the 17th he was intoxicated and angry. Speeding through the streets with his car overloaded with five passengers driving through red lights and talking on his mobile phone. The Victorian Coroners court yesterday heard police found Johnstone's car was travelling at 150km/h before he lost control before he crashed and hit with such impact snapped the tree from the ground. The only one to survive was 15 year old Elissa. Witnesses described the cars engine as screaming through the streets.

After this accident the hoon laws were then put into place in Victoria, to make safer roads for everyone, and to prevent so many deaths of p plate drivers. The community were shocked and horrified that someone can be so dumb and make stupid decisions.

HOTLINE TO CALL Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline Reports of hoon driving help Victoria Police target repeat offenders and focus on specific locations. If you know the identity of a hoon driver, have knowledge of hoon driving activity, or are able to provide a description of vehicles involved (make, model, colour, registration number) you can report this to Crime Stoppers without revealing your own identity. Contact the Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline on 1800 333 000 or report it online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au  

If a person is found guilty of three hoon-related offences inside three years, their vehicle can be permanently forfeited by the court. Upon such a court order being granted, these vehicles can then be disposed of in a manner determined by the Chief Commissioner of Police. If the forfeited vehicle is sold by the State of Victoria, the proceeds from the sale will be retained by the State of Victoria. Alternatively, the vehicle may be crushed or otherwise disposed of by police. In addition to the seizure or forfeiture of the vehicle, if found guilty of a hoon driving offence, the courts can impose a fine of up to 240 penalty units (in excess of $28,000) and/or a period of imprisonment of up to two years. The driver will also incur any demerit points and/or licence loss penalties applying to the underlying offence.