Speed is the biggest killer on Western Australian roads, and with some speeding fines in WA coming in at upwards of $1,000, exceeding the speed limit can also impact you financially.1
1,662 people were killed or seriously injured in speed-related crashes between 2016 and 2020, according to the WA Government. In 2020, 47% of fatalities occurred in crashes in 110 km/h speed zones.1
Data shows young men are particularly at risk of death due to speeding. Males make up approximately 85% of speeding-related fatal crashes in WA, with young males aged between 17 and 24 comprising nearly half those deaths.2
Even if the primary cause of a crash is not speed, the WA Police advise that a crash in a slower vehicle is likely to be less severe.3
“Your chances of surviving and avoiding injury are greater the slower you are driving,” the WA Police website states. “The chances of being in a crash approximately doubles for every 5km/h over the limit in a 60km/h zone.”
Below, we explore the cost of speeding fines in WA, associated demerit points, how to pay the notice and how to dispute a speeding fine.
How much are speeding fines in WA?
Each state and territory in Australia has a different framework for speeding fines based on the number of kilometres you’re caught driving over the posted speed limit.
The guide to speeding fines and penalties below is applicable to WA only, and may be different to those issued in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Demerit points can also be applied to certain offences and, during some holiday periods, double demerits may also apply in WA.
In WA, demerit points expire three years from the date of the offence – unless you accrue 12 or more points (four or eight in the case of a novice driver) within a three-year period and an Excessive Demerit Points Notice is issued. Demerit points accrued in other Australian states or territories require you to pay the infringement; however, the demerit points aren’t recorded against your WA driver’s licence.4
Below is a breakdown of fines and demerit points for some of the different speeding offences in WA.1
| Offence | Fine | Demerit points |
| Exceed speed limit by not more than 9km/h | $100 | 0 |
| Exceed speed limit by more than 9km/h but not more than 19km/h | $200 | 2 |
| Exceed speed limit by more than 19km/h but not more than 29km/h | $400 | 3 |
| Exceed speed limit by more than 29km/h but not more than 40km/h | $800 | 6 |
| Exceed speed limit by more than 40km/h | $1,200 | 7 |
You can find a full list of speeding offences and penalties in WA here.1
Is there a minimum speed limit in WA?
While you shouldn’t exceed the limit indicated on speed signs, you should never drive at an unsafe low speed for the conditions that exist at the time. Driving too slowly can also cause dangerous situations.5
For example, if you’re travelling on a freeway in WA, you’re required to travel no more than 20km/hr below the speed limit unless traffic, weather or visibility conditions prevent you from doing so.5
How to pay speeding fines in WA
There are a number of ways you can pay speeding fines in WA, including online via credit card, via BPAY, in person at any Magistrates Court in WA, or over the phone. You can find a full list of payment options here.6
What happens if you don’t pay speeding fines in WA?
There can be serious consequences for not paying fines and infringements in WA, including driver’s licence suspension, vehicle immobilisation, vehicle licence cancellation and the seizure and sale of your property.6
If payment isn’t received within 28 days of the fine being issued, you may receive a Final Demand Notice, with added costs and a further 28 days to pay the infringement notice.7
If payment isn’t received within this next 28 days, your infringement notice may be registered at the Fines Enforcement Registry, which can carry further costs and possible suspension of your vehicle and/or driver’s licence.7
Can I appeal a speeding fine in WA?
If you’ve received an Infringement Notice and you don’t agree with the offence, the WA Police Force website suggests not paying the fine and following the instructions on the back of the infringement. Alternatively, you can contact Infringement Management and Operations on (08) 9374 4555.8
While penalties for speeding are designed to help keep you safer on the roads, Youi is on hand to help cover your car. You might like to explore our range of car insurance options and consider if they could be right for you.
Information is relevant as of November 2023 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant government websites for updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: WA Government – Speeding
2 Source: WA Police Force – Speed
3 Source: WA Police Force – Consequences of speed
4 Source: WA Government – Demerit points
5 Source: WA Government – Driving offences (speeding, alcohol and traffic)
6 Source: WA Government – Pay your fines
7 Source: WA Police Force – Pay a traffic infringement
8 Source: WA Police Force – FAQ | How do I dispute my traffic infringement?
