NSW Police say that a 16-year-old learner driver has been charged with several offences after a police pursuit near Byron Bay.
The unaccompanied learner driver failed to stop leading police on a pursuit along the Pacific Motorway, Byron Bay.
At approximately 5pm last Friday, officers from the Far North, Tweed Byron Highway Patrol were conducting stationary breath testing duties on Hinterland Way, Ewingsdale, as part of Operation RAID 2025.
Failed to stop for breath test
A black Ford Falcon sedan was directed into the testing site but failed to stop, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit.
The vehicle entered the Pacific Motorway northbound, reaching speeds well above the posted speed limit and limits for a learner licence holder, he was observed forcing other vehicles off the roadway.
The pursuit continued until the vehicle exited at Gulgan Road exit and entered Fox Lane Tyagarah, a no-through road. Realising his error, the driver stopped and surrendered to police without further incident.
Driver recorded pursuit on mobile
The driver was identified as a 16-year-old male learner licence holder from Queensland. At the time there were no L plates displayed, no supervising driver and further investigations led to identifying the driver was recording the pursuit on his mobile.
The male stated he had just purchased the car, and he didn’t know what to do, I just panicked because I don’t have a licence. The male was breath and drug tested returning a negative result. He was arrested and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.
The boy was was charged with the following offences to appear before Byron Bay Children’s Local Court: police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (1st offence), Class A motor vehicle exceed speed > 45 km/h (estimated); fail to comply with request or signal to stop vehicle; learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester; learner driver not display ‘L’ plates as prescribed, and Learner/P1/P2 licence holder use mobile phone while driving.
NSW driving privileges withdrawn
The driver’s NSW driving privileges were withdrawn for six months pending a disqualification period from the court once finalised.
As the registered owner of the vehicle, he is liable for towing and storage costs following the vehicles confiscation for a period of three months.
NSW Police remind all road users that learner drivers must comply with licence conditions at all times. Reckless behaviour places lives at risk and will be met with firm enforcement.
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