Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about Traffic Offences.
A traffic offence is when you disobey a traffic law.
- Unlicensed Driving (driving without a driver’s license, or driving whilst disqualified)
- Drink & drug driving
- Exceeding the speed limit (speeding)
- Disobeying a red light
- Careless driving
- Dangerous driving
Many traffic offences, such as speeding or running a red light, are dealt with by way of an infringement notice, and you won’t be sent to Court. However, if you wish to dispute a ticket, you can elect to send the matter to Court to be dealt with.
SPER is known as the State Penalties Enforcement Registry. This is where any unpaid fines or penalties are registered for collection & enforcement (like a debt collector). A failure to pay your SPER debt can result in your license being suspended.
There are some instances when you may be eligible to apply for a work license. You can discuss the possibility of applying for a work license in an appointment with our lawyers. If they deem you eligible, they will advise you of the application process for this.
If you accumulate 4 or more demerit points within a continuous 1-year period whilst you hold any of the following licenses: P1 (Red P’s), P2 (Green P’s) or a probationary license, you will be sent an “Accumulation of demerit points- notice to choose.
The notice requires you to choose either:
- have your license suspended for 3 months.
- agree to continue driving under a period of good behavior for 1 year.
To keep your license, you cannot accrue more than 2 demerit points during the license period (12 months).
Most traffic offences are not considered as criminal offences, with the exception of driving offences dealt with under the Criminal Code, such as Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle. However, traffic offences can still carry heavy penalties, including lengthy disqualification periods and periods of imprisonment.