NSW speed camera operator reveals how fast drivers can go before they are booked

Speed ​​camera operator claims motorists can drive 10 per cent over the limit before being booked – but not everyone is convinced

  • Speed ​​camera operator claimed that 10 percent overrun is OK
  • Australian drivers think his ‘insider tip’ is a trap

A mobile speed camera operator has been distributing drivers after claiming motorists are allowed to drive a certain speed above the limit before being booked.

The speed camera operator made the ridiculous claim against a motorist as he was refueling his car at a petrol station in Sydney.

Edward McDonald had filled up his motorcycle and was standing nearby with a group of friends when he was approached by the operator.

Young motorist Edward McDonald spoke to a speed camera operator at a petrol station in Sydney (pictured)

He shared video of the exchange with TikTok on Sunday, claiming he got “an inside tip” from a “speed camera dude.”

In the video, the operator can be seen telling the young men that they can drive 10 percent faster than the speed limit without being fined.

“Let me tell you something guys, you can go 10 percent faster than any damn speed limit before you get pulled over,” he said.

The skeptical young man asks, “Even on your camera?”

“Yes,” the man replied.

Edward explained in the video’s caption that he’s “not going to test it” because he fears the man’s claims could be a trap.

Social media users agreed with many that they were fined for driving less than 10 km/h faster than the speed limit.

“I was fined by a mobile speed camera for driving “less than 3 miles” in New South Wales,” one wrote.

“No, it’s not a 10 because he’s trying to make extra money from the people he gets. It’s just past 5 that’s it,’ another person commented.

A third person complained: ‘I passed 3km/h on a mobile speed camera.’

“I’m definitely trying to get a commission from you,” a fourth person added.

Other users claimed that people were confused between 10 percent over and 10 mph over the speed limit.

“It’s up to 10 percent. Everything above 10 percent is booked. Example: 100 km/h zone is 10 km/h extra. Everything about you is gone,” one person commented.

“It’s not 10 km, it’s 10 percent. So 4 over 40, 5 over 50, and so on,” another person wrote.

Mobile speed camera vehicles in NSW equipped to carry portable warning signs in a reversal of the previous state government’s decision to remove the signs in 2020.

Mobile speed camera vehicles in NSW equipped to carry portable warning signs in a reversal of the previous state government’s decision to remove the signs in 2020

The speed camera operator (left) told Edward (right) and his friends that they could drive 10 percent above the legal speed limit without being fined. Edward said he wouldn’t test it because he fears the man’s claim could be a trap

Warning signs must now be displayed during enforcement, including a retractable sign on the roof, two portable signs on approach to each vehicle with mobile speed cameras, and one after.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he wanted ‘an end to secrecy’, with drivers having clear speed camera warning signs to remind them to slow down.

“I’d rather people slow down in the first place than be fined two weeks after committing the offence,” Prime Minister Chris Minns said.

Mr Minns said the former government went from collecting about $4 million a year in fines for low speeding tickets to about $45 million over a single financial year.

The number of fines for exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h or less went from 3,222 in October 2020 to 27,855 in February 2021.

Following community response, the signs were partially reintroduced to return to the top of speed cameras in 2021, but drivers were not given any advance warning.

THE 10 PERCENT RULE: FACT OR FICTION

The 10 percent rule is related to the belief that a driver will not be fined for speeding if he stays within 10 percent of the legal speed limit.

The 10 percent rule allows a driver to get away with 110 km/h in a 100 km/h zone, 88 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, 77 km/h in a 70 km/h zone, and so on.

However, the belief is more of a myth than an official rule and stems from uncertainty about each state’s speeding tolerances.

Victoria

Victoria is known for having a low speed limit, with motorists often caught by mobile speed cameras and fined for exceeding the speed limit of just 2km/h or 3km/h.

Drivers caught speeding less than 6 mph will be fined $201 and one penalty. Those driving more than 10 km/h faster than the legal limit will incur three demerit points and a fine of $322.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, speed tolerance has never been officially stated. It is generally believed to be more lenient, which is why the 10 percent rule has evolved.

Drivers can still face hefty fines if caught speeding – even within the ’10 percent’ range.

Those caught going less than 6 mph over the limit will be fined $119 and one point penalty. Drivers caught driving faster than 10 km/h will receive a three-point penalty and a $275 fine.

Queensland

The Queensland Police website explicitly states that speed tolerance levels should not be made public to ensure that ‘de facto’ speed limits are not created.

Drivers caught exceeding the 8 mph speed limit in the sunny state will be fined $174 and one point penalty, increasing to $261 and three points for exceeding 8 mph.

South Australia

Figures released by South Australia Police in 2017 showed that some motorists were able to drive as much as 7 km/h over the limit past a mobile speed camera without being fined.

In the same year, however, some drivers were pulled over and fined for exceeding the limit of just 1 km/h.

Drivers caught speeding up to 10 km/h over the speed limit will be fined $174 and one point penalty. Those caught driving 10 mph and exceeding the speed limit will receive three demerit points and a $379 fine.

Western Australia

Drivers caught exceeding the 9 mph limit will be fined $100, followed by a $200 fine and two demerit points for driving faster.

Northern Territory

Driving less than 9 mph over the speed limit will result in a $150 fine and one point penalty if caught in the Northern Territory. Those driving more than 15 mph faster than the speed limit will be fined $300 and three demerit points.

Tasmania

Tasmania has no tolerance for the speed limit, but rather has put in place an ‘over is over’ campaign to deter drivers from exceeding the limit.

As of September 2022, the state began using mobile speed cameras, with motorists fined $98 and two demerit points if caught driving less than 6 mph over the speed limit.

Those caught exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph will be fined $195 and three demerit points.

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