Motorist Surprised By Surprise Letter In Mailbox After Being Pulled Over For Speeding On Motorway

A motorist was left baffled after he managed to avoid a $1,028 fine and five demerit points despite being pulled over for speeding on a highway.

The driver was spotted driving more than 20km/h over the speed limit on the Dukes Highway in Keith, South Australia, on August 13.

The motorist, who had been travelling since Melbourne has Adelaidewas arrested after failing to reduce his speed as he left an 80 km/h zone and entered a 60 km/h zone.

They were told to expect a fine in the mail, but were stunned when they received a formal warning in their mailbox.

The confused motorist shared a photo of a ticket on Reddit, revealing that he would not have to pay a fine.

“There is no due date and the amount is $0, am I supposed to do something or what?” they wrote.

Social media users were shocked to learn that the driver had been released without penalty.

“In Queensland they will give the maximum fine, maximum demerits and look for something else,” one person wrote.

“A warning for 20-29km/h over the speed limit? You South Australians live in paradise! In Western Australia it’s a few hundred,” wrote another.

“This is how they officially register your warning on their system,” one wrote.

“If you do something similar again and the police see it on your criminal record, you will definitely be prosecuted.”

Exceeding the speed limit by between 20 and 29 km/h carries a fine of $1,028, which includes abatement costs and adult levy under the South Australian Road Traffic Act.

The offence also carries a penalty of five demerit points.

A South Australian Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the letter was a formal warning.

“The police exercised good judgment in the circumstances and issued a warning to the offending driver for speeding,” the spokeswoman said.

“Issuing the notice is a formal way of recording the warning.”

A former police officer has revealed how drivers could increase their chances of receiving a warning rather than a fine.

“Driving record and attitude are factors number one and two in determining whether a non-traffic officer issues a ticket,” they wrote.

Not all states and territories in Australia issue expiation notices warning drivers of speeding offences.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman told the Daily Mail the warning was not being enforced in the Sunshine State.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said expiation notices were not issued in the state, but infringement notices were issued when speeding offences occurred.

“Victoria Police only issues an infringement notice with the penalty and demerit points as prescribed,” the spokeswoman said.

“If a speeding ticket is received for an alleged speed of less than 10 km/h and the driver has a good driving history, they can apply for an official warning.”

A Tasmania Police spokesman said the state does not issue notices.

The Daily Mail has contacted all state and territory police services for further comment.