These days, people will often have a licence suspension for speeding offences of 30kph or 45 kph over the limit. Normally suspension periods of 3 months and 6 months respectively will be imposed. These licence suspension periods can have a substantial impact on an individual’s work and personal life.

However, there is a right of appeal in these cases. Magistrates will often reduce or eliminate the period of suspension altogether. Of course, to obtain the best possible result it is important to prepare the case thoroughly and put forward persuasive arguments before the court. Our appointed lawyers have many years of experience with these types of matters.

Major Speeding Offences

Generally speaking, a speeding infringement results in a speeding fine and a loss of demerit points. Certain more serious speeding offences also involve an automatic licence suspension. Speeding 30 kilometres over the limit now results in a 3 month suspension while doing 45 kilometres over the limit will result in a six month suspension. Needless to say, such a suspension can have a dramatic effect on an individual’s personal and professional life.

The question of course is: What is the most effective way of dealing with these matters so that the time off the road is reduced as much as possible?

Generally the better option is to pay the speeding fine and then lodge an appeal against the suspension. In most cases this is by the most effective way to substantially reduce or eliminate the amount of time spent off the road.

When the case is heard on appeal, the Magistrate will examine a range of factors including the driver’s previous traffic history, their need for a licence and any significant health or medical reasons requiring them to drive. In many cases the magistrate will remove the suspension, or at least substantially reduce the period of time the motorist has to spend off the road. The reduction in the penalty can often be enough to save someone’s job or business.

Demerit Point Suspensions

Full licence holders have no right of appeal against a suspension of their licence owing to the accumulation of 12 or more demerit points. However, they have the option of taking up a good behaviour bond licence for a period of 12 months. It should be noted though, that the loss of points during the period of the good behaviour bond will result in a larger suspension (double the period that would otherwise have applied).

In contrast, P-Plate licence holders do have a right of appeal against a suspension resulting from the accumulation of demerit points. This is particularly relevant now that P-Plate licence holders can lose their licence as a result of just one offence. Any P-Platers in this situation should seek legal advice immediately.

If you would like to speak with one of our traffic lawyers, please phone our office on 02 9024 9530 or drop us an email using the contact form to the right.

We have a solid track record with licence appeals. In fact, we are so confident that we will represent you on a NO WIN NO FEE basis. If you don't win the case and get you back on the road sooner, you won't have to pay our fees. In addition, if you can't reach our office, please let us know and we may be able to arrange a home visit at a time that suits you.