Australia: Special license required to drive high-powered vehicles

Owners of UHPVs will have to keep safety features like ABS, traction control, and stability control switched on at all times

According to media reports, supercar owners in South Australia will soon need to earn a special licence to drive their Ultra High-Powered Vehicles (UHPV). The Australian jurisdiction is said to have announced the new licencing scheme last week, while also stating that stricter penalties would be imposed for dangerous driving.

The proposal to introduce a special license was announced last year, with the rule now set to be implemented from December 1, 2024. As per the new rule, supercar owners will be required to earn a "U License" to drive their UHPV.

Reports suggest that 200 models come under the UHPV categorisation. According to the government, any vehicle with a gross weight of less than 4,500 kg and a power-to-weight ratio of more than 370 BHP per tonne will be considered a UHPV. However, buses and motorcycles are exempt from this rule. As an example, a Lamborghini Huracan has a power-to-weight ratio of 391 BHP/tonne, requiring its owners to have a U License to drive it. However, a BMW M3 owner doesn't need the special license as its power-to-weight ratio is 298 BHP/tonne.

Drivers applying for a U License will have to complete an online training course, currently still in development. The course is said to ensure drivers of UHPVs are aware of the risks while handling such vehicles. In addition, owners of UHPVs will have to keep safety features like ABS, traction control, and stability control switched on at all times while on public roads. Those who don't will face severe fines of up to AUD $5,000.

South Australia attorney-general Kyam Maher stated, “These reforms will ensure people who drive ultra high-powered vehicles take greater responsibility for their actions while making sure that authorities have the power to prosecute those who flout our road laws and put others’ lives at risk.”

Source: Drive.au