Driver hit with $322 fine for commonly unknown driving mistake

It’s a road rule that’s easy to misinterpret but a Queensland driver is now considering challenging a fine after being caught speeding up on approach to a 100km/h zone.

The driver was caught out by the little-known rule. Picture: Reddit/justneedwine

Should drivers be allowed to exceed the speed limit when approaching a 100km/h zone? One Queenslander has learned the answer is a resounding no after being hit with a $322 fine and a loss of one demerit point for driving 9km/h over the speed limit just metres from the highway.

A Reddit user made a post on Wednesday asking whether they could fight a fine they were issued.

“I have gotten a speeding fine for going 69km/h in a 60km/h zone (I know, isn’t a problem if you don’t speed) and I’m happy to pay and accept my wrong doings. Only thing, the 100km/h sign is in the photo of the car I was driving,” the post read.

“Has anyone fought this and won? I’m probably just going to cop it and pay but I just find the whole situation funny as.”

Despite many commenters admitting they have skirted the rules similarly in the past, the majority agreed the fine was valid, albeit “unfair.”

“Happened to me, I was literally 10 metres from a 100km/h sign and started to speed up, and a highway patrol car booked me. It’s always better to wait five seconds before speeding up … I learned the hard way” one commenter wrote.

“No. If you’re still in a 60km/h zone you’re still in a 60km/h zone so you’re required to travel at or below 60km/h until you pass the 100km/h posted sign limit. Same if you’re coming out of a 100km/h zone into a 60km/h zone you’re required to be at 60km/h or below by the time you have passed the sign, instead of slowing down after you pass the sign,” a second added.

However, others commented that the location of the speed camera was selected for reasons beyond just public safety.

“It’s clearly unreasonable. Why are we supporting this? It’s not keeping anyone safe, it’s revenue raising bulls**t,” one commenter wrote.

“This comes down to state quota/revenue, nothing to do with road safety. The do-gooders here quoting road rules and regulations are a ‘special’ breed,” a second added.

Originally published as Driver hit with $322 fine for commonly unknown driving mistake