From 1 December 2024, all drivers of an ultra high powered vehicle must hold a U class license.
A U class licence is the driver’s licence class for an ultra high powered vehicle (UHPV).
New laws were introduced regarding UHPV drivers from 1 January 2024.
The amendments to legislation came in the wake of the death of 15-year-old Sophia Naismith, after she was tragically struck by Alexander Campbell’s Lamborghini in 2019, and are referred to as ‘Sophia’s Law’.
As a driver of an UHPV, it is an offence to not hold a U class licence.
The penalties for driving an UHPV without the correct licence are severe—a maximum fine of $2,500 for a first offence, and up to 12 months imprisonment for a subsequent offence.
The deadline for obtaining a U Class licence is looming.
If you already drive an UHPV, you must obtain your U Class licence by 1 December 2024 to avoid penalties.
Sophia’s Law has also made it an offence for the driver of an UHPV to disable an automated intervention system. It’s an offence with a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine.
Examples of automated intervention systems include:
- Anti-lock braking
- Automatic emergency braking
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
