Licence Suspensions

While a single minor ticket will not result in the suspension of most licences, there are specific instances where speeding tickets can lead to suspensions:

• Novice drivers speeding more than 29 km/h above the speed limit
• An accumulation of demerit points due to various offences, including speeding
• Driving at dangerously high speeds that significantly exceed the legal limit
• Failing to pay the fine upon conviction

It’s important to note that when a driver’s licence is suspended for these reasons, the consequences extend beyond the suspension itself. Insurance rates for the individual are likely to be substantially affected, often resulting in considerably higher premiums.

Class G1 and G2 drivers found guilty of exceeding the speed limit by more than 29 km/h face a 30-day licence suspension.

The 30-day suspension applies to G1 and G2 drivers for:

• Any traffic ticket carrying four demerit points.
• Accumulating six or more demerit points.

Should there be a subsequent accumulation of offences, the driver’s suspension period increases to six months.

Disputing the conviction, rate of speed and requesting a court date can avoid a licence suspension.

Class G drivers may be suspended through accumulation of demerit points at:

• 9 demerit points – mandatory driver licence interview
• 15 demerit points – 30 day suspension

Any drivers licence suspension dramatically affects insurance rates for three (3) years.

Where a driver is caught by police speeding above 50km/h the driver will be facing a licence suspension.

Where caught speeding more than 50km/h, the officer may charge the driver with either:

• speeding, or
• stunt driving

Speeding more than 50km/h

Where the officer charges the driver with speeding at more than 50km/h the officer will issue the driver a summons to appear in court.

The penalty if convicted is:

• fine of $12 per kilometer over the limit
• licence suspension up to 30 days
• insurance rate increases for 3 years

Stunt Driving

Where the officer charges the driver with stunt driving the officer will issue the driver a summons to appear in court.

The penalty if convicted is:

• fine between $2,000 and 10,000
• licence suspension up to 2 years
• jail up to 6 months
• dramatically increased insurance rates

the officer may issue the driver a speeding ticket commanding the driver to appear in court before a Justice of the Peace.

If a driver is charged with stunt driving, they immediately face a seven-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension.

Upon being convicted for stunt driving, the consequences include:

• The possibility of a licence suspension for up to two years on a first offence, reflecting the severity of the infraction.
• The cost to reinstate the licence is two hundred and eighty one (281) dollars.
• A dramatic increase in insurance rates,
  • which can persist for up to three years after the suspension,
  • significantly affecting the driver’s insurance costs.

It is important to note that reinstating a suspended driver’s licence involves a fee of two hundred and eighty-one pounds (£281), adding a financial consequence to the penalty.

Read more about the implications of Read more about Stunt Driving >