A motorist was left confused after managing to avoid a $1,028 fine and five demerit points despite being caught speeding on a motorway.
The driver was caught driving more than 20km/h over the speed limit on the Dukes Highway in Keith, South Australia, on August 13.
The motorist, who was traveling from Melbourne to AdelaideHe was stopped after failing to reduce his speed when leaving an 80 km/h zone and entering a 60 km/h zone.
They were told to expect a fine in the mail, but were stunned when they received a formal warning in their mailbox instead.
The confused motorist shared a photo of a fine notice on Reddit, revealing that they would not have to pay a fine.
“There is no expiration date and the amount is $0, should I do something or what?” they wrote.
Social media users were shocked that the driver was released without penalty.
“In Queensland they would give the maximum fine, maximum demerits and then look for something else,” one person wrote.
The confused motorist uploaded a photo of a penalty notice (pictured) to Reddit after receiving the letter in the mail stating that the violation did not incur a financial penalty.
“A caution notice for exceeding the speed limit by 20-29km/h? You people in South Australia live in paradise! In Western Australia, it’s a few hundred,” wrote another.
“This is how they formally register your warning in their system,” one wrote.
“If you do something similar again and the police see it on your record, they will definitely blame you.”
Exceeding the speed limit by 20-29km/h carries a fine of $1,028, which includes the penalty fee and adult tax under South Australian road rules.
The infringement also carries a penalty of five demerit points.
A South Australian Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the letter was a formal warning.
“Police have acted with discretion in these circumstances and have issued a warning to the offending driver for speeding,” the spokeswoman said.
‘Issuing the notice is a formal way of recording the warning.’
A former police officer has revealed how drivers could increase their chances of receiving a warning rather than a fine.
“Driving record and attitude are the number one and two factors that determine whether a non-traffic officer gives you a ticket,” they wrote.
Not all Australian states and territories issue speeding notices warning drivers about speeding offences.
Exceeding the speed limit by 20-29km/h carries a fine of $1,028, including the penalty fee and adult tax under South Australian road rules (file image)
A Queensland Police spokeswoman told the Daily Mail that the warning does not apply in the Sunshine State.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said no penalty notices were issued in the state, but infringement notices were issued for speeding offences.
“Victoria Police only issues an infringement notice with the prescribed penalty and demerit points,” the spokeswoman said.
‘If you receive a speeding ticket for an alleged speed of less than 10 km/h and the driver has a good driving record, you can request an official warning.’
A Tasmania Police spokesman said the state does not issue the warnings.
The Daily Mail has contacted all state and territory police departments for further comment.
