NSW learner driver booked for speeding with multiple passengers

New South Wales police have allegedly caught a learner driver behind the wheel of a sedan travelling at more than 10km/h above the legal speed limit – with nine passengers inside the five-seater vehicle.

Authorities say the Holden Commodore driven by the 17-year-old novice motorist was caught travelling at 87km/h in a 70km/h zone on Dunheved Road, Werrington – a suburb in Sydney’s west – earlier this month.

Officers noticed the boot of the Holden Commodore opening and closing while the car was moving – and when stopped, police allegedly identified five unrestrained passengers in the back seat of the sedan, while two people were caught lying down inside the boot of the vehicle.

According to Highway Patrol, the motorist was driving without a fully-licensed supervisor – and was displaying red probationary plates on the car, despite carrying a learner’s licence.

Authorities said the motorist was issued multiple infringement notices relating to unaccompanied driving, exceeding the speed limit by more than 10km/h, not complying with police directions, driving with four or more unrestrained passengers, and failing to display learner plates.

Additionally, the young passengers in the back seats of the vehicle were reportedly issued ‘occupy [the] same seat as other’ penalty notices while the two passengers in the boot were given an infringement notice relating to ‘travel in or on the boot of a motor vehicle.’

In NSW, a learner driving without supervision can incur a $890 fine, while not displaying L-plates can result in a $272 fine and two demerit points.

Driving with four or more unrestrained passengers can attract a $1472 fine and six demerit points – while learners caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 10km/h can result in a $124 fine and four demerit points.

Motorists found not to obey police directions can receive a $349 fine and three demerit points.

Finally, occupying the same seat as another passenger and travelling in the boot of a car can expect a $349 fine for each offence.