HELP - Australian Speeding Ticket!!!

firsttimebuyers_2

My partner and I have recently got back from Australia and I have just received a speeding fine of $256 for going 68kph in a 60kph zone (in a hire car). We both registerd our driving licences with the hire car company and both drove the car - and we do not know who was driving at the time.

They have written to me (I guess as the lead driver), but I don't know if it was me driving. Is it worth me making a 'Statutory Declaration' that I don't know who was driving at the time (could be me or my partner) or will one of us have to pay even if we don't know who was driving?!!?!?

Also - does anyone have any other tips re this - as I really can't afford $256!! What would happen if I ignore the letter?!!?

Thanks!!!!

ferf1223

I got a speeding ticket in Oz too...5km over the limit, me...they are very particular it seems.

Had to pay the ticket plus the admin fee to the rental agency (stipulated in their T&Cs).

It was a rental car, you know one of you was driving, just not sure which one...whether you could make a declaration stating that (or what the benefit of doing so would be) I don't know since you acknowledge it was one of you...pretty sure they have speed cameras so could send you a photo if necessary.

As for what they could do if you don't pay it - don't know for certain. I paid it as I love Australia and didn't want to have any issues returning there in the future. Whether I would have or not I don't know.

firsttimebuyers_2

Thinking about it - I might as well just pay it, have done with it, and forget about it. $256 though.... that doesn't come easily for us.

LillythePink

I would have thought that you would have had to submit your cc to the hire car agency, so if they really wanted the money then they would probably fine the hire car company who would then charge your cc for the money.

alternatively, you would probably had a warrant out for you if you ever tried to enter oz again

firsttimebuyers_2

We'd better just cough up I suppose. I wonder if I should notify my car insurance company?!?!

LillythePink

Why would you notify your car insurance company?

You are insured in the UK - this ticket was in Oz - you would have been driving under their insurance not yours from the UK.

It isn't a criminal offence

ferf1223

LillythePink wrote: »

I would have thought that you would have had to submit your cc to the hire car agency, so if they really wanted the money then they would probably fine the hire car company who would then charge your cc for the money.

I wondered about that too...or if the hire company would have some sort of exemption from that sort of thing, wouldn't be held liable...I'm pretty sure the standard T&Cs say we take all liability for that sort of thing, so maybe the car hire agency would be protected that way?

In any event, I'm almost sure that the fine on mine increased the longer it took me to pay it - so I made sure to pay it pretty quickly.

It does seem a lot, but I suppose that we broke the rules and all that.

benish

You don't need to tell your insurance company! That would be a silly idea!!!
You are not going to receive any points as you don't hold an Australian license. Your British license won't be affected therefore you don't need to inform your insurers!

firsttimebuyers_2

Ok, well I won't bother telling my insurance co then. I was just concerned that they may invalidate my insurance further down the line for non-disclosure.

spiro

If in doubt the golden rule is 'tell them' that way you cant fall foul at a later date of not declaring it. My understanding is you have to advise your insurnace company of a motoring offence, I dont think it goes on to say 'unless it was committed abroad'.

firsttimebuyers_2

That's what I thought, I think i'll let them know just in case.