New driving laws aimed at ensuring drivers whose carelessness results in the death or serious injury of others face justice have come into effect with the new year.

The state government says laws were developed in response to the tragic death of Sophia Naismith, which highlighted deficiencies with the laws as they stood.

The new laws include:

• A new offence of causing death or serious harm by careless use of a vehicle or vessel, featuring a penalty of up to seven years in jail for an aggravated offence, with a licence disqualification of at least three years. For a basic offence, the penalty will be up to five years in jail with a licence disqualification of at least 12 months.
• Giving the police greater powers to suspend a driver’s licence on the spot when they are involved in a serious crash.
• Preventing drivers of ultra-high powered vehicles from disabling an automated intervention system, an offence punishable by fine of up to $5000.

Further reforms, to introduce a new licence class for ultra-high powered vehicles, will be introduced later in 2024.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher says the loss of any life on our roads is a tragedy, and the government is seeking to do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“The new offence will give authorities greater flexibility when considering charges against those whose careless behaviour has a devastating, irreversible effect on others.

“At a time when our road toll is unacceptably high, these laws will send a clear message to all road users that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour on our roads.”