Open road speeding is now treated as a vehicle-related offence in addition to the penalties incurred by drivers. A rising scale of vehicle-related penalties applies to speeding offences incurred within a three year period, culminating in suspension of a vehicle’s registration for up to three months.

This is designed to deal with truck operators who allow persistent speeding and jeopardise the safety of other road users, and who tarnish the image of the transport industry.

What are the vehicle related penalties?
The registered operator of a bus above 5 tonnes gross vehicle mass or a truck above 12 tonnes gross vehicle mass detected at a speed of more than 115km/h will incur a rising scale of penalties described in the table below:

These penalties are vehicle specific and apply for a rolling three year period. This period starts from the date on which an offence first occurs. A vehicle which is not involved in a speeding breach for a period of three years will be given a ‘clean slate’.
A vehicle’s registration will be suspended after the third breach in the case of a speed- limited vehicle and after the fourth breach for a vehicle not initially fitted with a speed limiter.

Where an operator fails to comply with any of these penalties, a maximum fine of $2,000 will be imposed on the vehicle owner.
The vehicle penalties are in addition to any driver related penalties for speeding.

Suspension of Registration
The registration suspension applies to buses, trucks or prime movers but not trailers. During the suspension period, the operator will not be allowed to transfer the registration, nor re-register the vehicle in the name of the same owner or that of a new owner.
The operator will not be entitled to any refund of the registration fees resulting from the suspension.

Appeals
The operator has a right of appeal and can apply to VicRoads for a review of any penalty.
The operator also has the right to appeal to the Magistrates’ Court against any suspension.

Operators Responsibility
The registered vehicle operator needs to ensure that, where fitted, the speed-limiter is operating correctly and has not been tampered with. Information on maximum road speed limiting for heavy vehicles and buses is provided in Department of Transport Regional Services Vehicle Standards Information Bulletin Number 2. This bulletin is available at VicRoads offices and bookshop.

Further Information
Detailed information on this policy can be obtained from VicRoads Transport Safety Services located in each VicRoads Region.