The driver of a luxury car has become the first Aussie motorist to be hit with a fine for not complying with new vehicle licensing laws.
The 36-year-old motorist, who was driving a Lamborghini Huracan, was pulled over by police on Queensborough Avenue at Hillcrest, in Adelaide’s north-east, on Sunday.
Officers noticed the vehicle did not have a number plate on the back and further checks revealed the driver also didn’t have a special licence to operate the car.
Drivers risk six demerit points and a maximum fine of $2,500 if they break the law. They could also be sent to jail for a year for subsequent infringements.
South Australia introduced new laws, which came into effect on Sunday, requiring motorists who drive certain vehicles to hold a ‘U’ class licence.
The licence must be obtained to operate ultra high powered vehicles (UHPV) that weigh up to 4.5 tonnes and have a power to weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more.
South Australia Police said in a statement the motorist was issued an expiation notice for driving with an expired licence not appropriate to the vehicle.
The regulation applies to vehicles considered ‘supercars’ or ‘hypercars’. Buses and motorbikes are exempt from the regulation.
Officers noticed the vehicle (pictured) did not have a number plate on the back and further checks revealed the driver also didn’t have a special license to operate the car
The new law was introduced following the death of 15-year-old Sophia Naismith.
Sophia was struck by a Lamborghini while she was walking with her friend Jordyn Callea along Morphett Road, in Glengowrie, in the city’s south-west, in 2019.
The $328,000 vehicle careered into a footpath before it struck both girls and crashed into the front door of the House of Tien restaurant.
The driver Alexander Campbell, 37 was handed a suspended sentence in 2022 after he was found not guilty of causing her death.
Campbell had previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated driving without due care.
He was given an 18-month good behaviour bond and was ordered to complete community service.
South Australia introduced the new law following the death of 15-year-old teenager Sophia Naismith (pictured) after she was hit and killed by a Lamborghini in 2019
Sophia’s family campaigned to have the legislation introduced to protect pedestrians and the community.
The state’s attorney general Kyam Maher previously said motorists who drive a UHPV must obtain the required licence.
‘If you drive an ultra high-powered vehicle, you need to go through training to have that accredited on your licence,’ Mr Maher said.
Drivers in South Australia can obtain a U class licence by completing the U Class Licence Course.
The course will assist drivers to learn how to safely operate a UHPV and learn the risks associated with driving the vehicles.
Motorists will also be made aware of the features these vehicles contain including Electronic Stability Control and Automated Emergency Braking.
