Drivers could face jail for excessive speeding for the first time in South Australia, under tough new laws being introduced to State Parliament.
The proposed laws would target drivers speeding more than 55 kilometres per hour above the speed limit in zones of 60kph or below — or 80kph above the limit in zones above 60kph.
Police Minister Vincent Tarzia said the government wanted to send a strong message.
"Not only could you kill yourself but others, so the government makes no apology for bringing in these tough new laws."
People convicted of the offence of "driving at an extreme speed" could go to jail for up to three years.
Everyone convicted of the crime would also be banned from driving for at least two years.
Jail time could be increased to up to five years if the speeding is done in conjunction with a police pursuit, a death or injury, car theft, driving while disqualified or driving while drunk or on drugs.
"These are tough new laws — if you drive at these extreme speeds, if you risk your own life and the lives of other motorists, you'll be booking yourself a one-way ticket to jail," Mr Tarzia said.
"That's our simple message today."
The maximum penalty for speeding is currently a $1,690 fine, nine demerit points and a six-month loss of licence.
The laws were drafted in consultation with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens.
To coincide with the announcement, SA Police released a dashcam video of a motorcyclist riding through Adelaide's streets at up to 267kph before crashing into a stationary ute.
He was in a coma for two months after the crash and acquired a permanent brain injury.
He now requires full-time care.
Police said the man's wife allowed the video to be released because she wanted the public to see the consequences of driving at an extreme speed.
