Melbourne Driver Fined $509 for Entering Intersection One Second After Red Light

A driver in Melbourne has been fined for entering an intersection one second after the traffic light turned red. The infringement notice, issued by Victorian Police, cited a failure to obey traffic lights. The driver has questioned the fairness of the penalty, while a legal expert has clarified that running a red light is a strict liability offense under Australian road rules.

The Incident and Fine

In January, Victorian Police issued an infringement notice to Melbourne driver Alex Ashcroft. The notice stated the offense as "failed to obey traffic lights" and specified that one second had elapsed between the traffic light turning red and the vehicle entering the intersection. The fine amount was $509.

The driver described the penalty as costing more than half of her wage for that one second.

Statements from Involved Parties

Alex Ashcroft, the driver who received the fine, questioned the fairness and requested consideration of a "grace period."

• She stated that at the 70km/h speed limit, she believed she would not have had time to stop safely.
• She argued that attempting to stop could have caused an accident or a rear-end collision.

Lawyer Hayder Shkara of Melbourne Family Lawyers provided a legal perspective.

• He stated that running a red light is a "completely binary" offense under Australian road rules, with no legal "grace period."
• The offense is established the instant a vehicle crosses into an intersection after the light turns red.
• This legal interpretation applies in Victoria and all other Australian states.

Legal and Operational Context

The fine was issued under Rule 59 of the Road Safety Rules 2017 in Victoria, which prohibits drivers from entering an intersection or marked foot crossing when traffic lights show a red light.

According to the reports, an infringement notice for this offense is generally issued when a vehicle enters an intersection 0.5 seconds or more after the light turns red.

Regarding traffic light operation:

• Traffic lights typically display an amber (yellow) light for three to five seconds before turning red.
• Road rules require drivers to stop on an amber light if it is safe to do so.

Comparative Penalties Across States

Fines and demerit points for running a red light vary across Australian jurisdictions: