HIGH POWERED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS

What are the new high powered vehicle restrictions?

From 1 July 2007, the restrictions on driving high powered vehicles were changed to make it easier for the probationary driver to identify the vehicle they could drive.

From 1 July 2007, a probationary driver can't drive a car which has:

• an engine of eight or more cylinders
• a turbocharged or supercharged engine
• an engine that has been modified to improve the vehicle’s performance
• one of the nominated high performance six cylinder vehicles which include BMW M and M3, Honda NSX, Nissan 350Z, Porsche (all models) and Mercedes Benz SLK350

• diesel powered turbocharged or supercharged vehicles (without engine performance modifications)
  
• nominated vehicles with low powered turbocharged or supercharged engines including Suzuki Cappucino 2D Cabriolet Turbo 3 cylinder 698cc, Daihatsu Copen L880 2D Convertible 4 cylinder 659cc
  
• all models of the Smart car produced by Mercedes Benz; and
  
• vehicles driven as a part of the driver’s employment and at the request of the employer

Click here for more information about these high powered vehicle restrictions.

How does this differ from the previous restrictions?

Previously, there was a power to weight restriction on driving high powered vehicles.   A high powered vehicle is any vehicle with a power to weight ratio over 125kw per tonne, or with an engine capacity to weight ratio over 3.5 litres per tonne.

If you obtained a probationary licence before 1 July 2007, you may drive a vehicle provided it is not classified as high powered under either, the power to weight ratio, or the features listed above.

However, if the vehicle is defined as high powered under one, but not both of these restrictions, then it can be driven by a probationary driver.

What are the penalties?

From 1 July 2007, the penalty for driving a high powered vehicle is three demerit points and a maximum fine of approximately $1100. These penalties will apply to all probationary drivers of high powered vehicles, regardless of whether they are bound by the old or new definition.

Can a learner drive a high powered vehicle?

Yes. However once you obtain your probationary licence, you will not be permitted to drive a high powered vehicle.

I want to buy a vehicle - how can I tell if it is high powered?

The first step is to ask the seller or dealer prior to buying the vehicle or contact the manufacturer directly. 

If you are still unsure or doubt the information given, seek further advice from a licensed mechanic.

What types of engine modifications would prohibit a vehicle from being driven by a probationary driver?

Examples of engine modifications include any addition or change to the:

• engine management system
• exhaust system (particularly extractors)
• fuel injection or carburettor systems
• camshaft

If I purchase a high powered vehicle, as defined by the new restrictions, prior to 1 July 2007, but get my probationary licence after 1 July 2007, will I be able to drive it when I get my licence?

No

Are exemptions available?

Exemptions will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where it can be proven by the driver that he/she will endure undue hardship if the exemption is not granted. All requests for an exemption must be in writing and sent to:

VicRoads
Exemptions
Locked Bag 5000
KEW VIC 3101

Probationary drivers required by their employer to drive a high powered vehicle during working hours will be automatically exempted.

I am a probationary licence driver. Can I put a turbocharger or supercharger in my vehicle?

No. You are not allowed to modify your engine to increase power.

Where can I find out more?

You can find out more about high powered vehicle restrictions on the arrive alive! website – www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au