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You will be charged for driving whilst suspended if you are caught driving a motor vehicle during the time in which you have been suspended by the RMS.

However, just because you have driven whilst your licence was suspended by the RMS, this doesn’t mean that you are automatically guilty of the offence.

If you were not aware that you were suspended by the RMS, you may be NOT guilty of the offence.

The law recognises this defence as an ‘honest and reasonable mistake of fact’.

You must prove on the balance of probabilities that you were not aware of the suspension or disqualification. You may have changed addresses at the time the RMS sent you a letter advising of the suspension, or may for some other reason not have received the letter. 

In these circumstances, if the court finds that your explanation was honest and reasonable, the charges will be dismissed. Look at our guide for honest and reasonable mistake of fact for more information on how you can use this as a defence.

What is the Difference Between Disqualified, Suspended and Cancelled License?

According to Sections 53 and 54 of the Road Transport Act 2013, driving unlicensed is when a person drives on any road without holding the appropriate licence. The law also extends to employing or permitting any person to drive a vehicle without the necessary licence. 

There is a range of classes included in unlicensed driving that each carries different penalties. These include: 

  • Suspended Licence: which is issued by the RMS or police for offences such as speeding, exceeding demerit points, medical reasons or breaching good behaviour bond. It is a criminal offence to drive whilst holding a suspended licence. 
  • Disqualified Licence: which is issued by a magistrate or judge as a part of a sentence from a previous traffic-related offence (e.g. driving whilst under the influence). Therefore, if you drive with a disqualified licence, you are in breach of a court order. 
  • Cancelled Licence: this is when you are caught driving whilst disqualified. Unlike a licence disqualification or cancelation, both the RMS and Court can cancel your licence for a certain period. 

 

If you are from overseas and have an international licence or you hold a licence from another Australian state or territory, you do not need an New South Wales (NSW) drivers permit for the first three months of your residence in the State.

What are the Penalties for Driving While Suspended in NSW?

For a first offence, the maximum fine for driving while suspended is $3,300, and the maximum prison sentence is up to 6 months. The mandatory disqualification period is for 6 months unless the matter is dealt with according to Section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act. In this case, you will not be disqualified from driving. If you need more information, refer to our section 10 explanation.

In the case of a second or subsequent offence (within 5 years), possible outcomes include a $5,500 fine or maximum prison sentence of 12 months. Furthermore, the mandatory period of disqualification is 12 months.

If it is the case that you were suspended because you did not pay an outstanding fine, the mandatory disqualification period is 3 months. If this is the case, the courts will quite often deal with you through a section 10.

Generally, penalties that a court can impose for any criminal offence in NSW are:

 

Police Suspension Notice

NSW Police hold power to suspend your licence on the spot if they believe that you have committed a major traffic offence. A police suspension notice can either be issued immediately or within 48 hours following the alleged offence.

An immediate suspension notice means that you can no longer drive your vehicle from that exact moment. If you received your notice via mail, your suspension comes into effect from the moment it is handed to you.

According to Road Transport Act 2013, the circumstances where police can issue on the spot suspension notices include:

  • Dangerous driving offences that cause serious or grievous bodily harm
  • High range speeding (exceeding the designated speed limit by 30 to 40 km/hr)
  • Mid to high range drink driving offences (blood alcohol content equal or higher to 0.08)
  • Driving under the influence
  • Street racing
  • Aggravated burnout offences
  • A person holding a learner licence is driving without the supervision of a full licence holder

If a police officer has issued you with an immediate suspension, you will need to go to court as you have been charged with an offence. You can appeal the licence suspension in a 28-day window from when it was first issued. However, you must ensure you do not continue driving whilst suspended.

In the case where the Court considers your appeal, they will inform you whether it has been dismissed (no change), dismissed with an altered suspension period or upheld (suspension is lifted).

License Suspension and Demerit Points

Demerit points are a nationwide system that acts as a form of driving record. The idea of the points system is to promote safe and responsible driving habits on our roads. 

The number of points depends on the type of licence that you are currently holding. For learner and provisional P1 (red p-plates) drivers, if you record 4 or more demerit points, you will receive a 3-month suspension. 

Provisional P2 (green p-plates) will face a 3-month suspension after recording 7 or more demerit points. In addition, if you hold a learner, P1 or P2 licence and have incurred two suspensions, the RMS may require you to complete a driver knowledge test, a driver education program (or both). 

Full unrestricted licence holders can record up to 12 demerit points. Once past this point, your suspension term depends on the extent of the points incurred. For example:

  • 13-15 demerit points result in a 3-month suspension
  • 16-19 demerit points result in a 4-month suspension 
  • 20 or more demerit points results in a 5-month suspension 

 

If you record only 13 demerit points, you have the opportunity to elect for a good behaviour bond for 12 months. However, your licence suspension penalty will double if you incur 2 or more demerit points within this period. 

If you have 2 suspensions within 5 years, the RMS can ask you to sit a driver knowledge test, driver education program or both. 

Drivers who hold a professional driver licence (someone who transports goods, accredited taxi, bus, hire car driver for work) have a 13 point threshold. If you incur more than 14 demerit points, you face the same penalty suspensions as full licence holders.

The Impact of a Conviction for Driving While Suspended

Driving with a licence suspended from you can have profound implications, as you may record a criminal conviction.

Having a record can negatively impact your future, as many jobs require no historical criminal convictions to work. Professions such as nursing, childcare, teaching or security are to name a few.

Not only does a criminal conviction limit your career potential, but it can also impact your ability to migrate and travel around the world. Countries such as Canada, United States, China and Japan have strict screening measures to ensure migrants with criminal backgrounds cannot enter.

If you have been caught driving with a suspended driver’s licence, investing in a defence lawyer is essential. Experienced criminal defence lawyers are skilled in reducing the offence penalty and increasing your chance of avoiding a conviction.

In criminal law, you can escape a criminal record with a non-conviction order (e.g. section 10), resulting in a bond. In this scenario, while found guilty by your local court, you will not be convicted. However, it’s vital that you cannot commit any other offence for the bond’s duration, or you will be liable for much harsher penalties.

LY lawyers offer an experienced and skilled team of Sydney-based criminal defence lawyers who provide you with the best legal assistance. If you have been caught driving with a suspended licence, contact us today for legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving While Suspended in NSW

When does license suspension start in NSW?

If your licence is suspended on the sport by a NSW police officer, it will take effect immediately. Otherwise, the starting date of your suspension is on the notice that you will receive. 

Can I get away with driving with a suspended license in NSW?

No, driving whilst suspended can result in severe punishments. A first offence results in a fine of $3,300 alongside a maximum prison sentence of 6 months.

For the second time and subsequent offences, you will receive a $5,500 fine with a maximum prison sentence of 12 months.

Getting your license back after a suspension in NSW

You can appeal a suspension within 28 days of its starting date. The process will require you to submit a notice of your appeal with relevant details (address, email address, suspension letter, driver licence number, credit or debit card for fee payment) in the NSW Online Registry. Following this, you will need to argue your case in your Local Court.

Alternatively, your notice of suspension will provide the date when you can legally drive again. If your licence hasn’t expired, you won’t need to reapply.

Our client was driving whilst his licence was suspended. The RTA suspended his licence following unpaid fines. He was adamant that he did not know that the RTA suspended him, and did not receive any letters from the RTA saying so. The case proceeded to hearing at the Downing Centre Local Court.

Our client instructed us that his registered home address was the same address the RTA had on their records, but he moved out of that home on several occasions following a troublesome period in his marriage.

He would often stay at his brother’s house, and wasn’t sure if all of his mail was kept by his wife. We obtained, as part of his defence, evidence of his mobile phone bills during the time which the RTA said that notices were posted out to him.

The phone bills showed phone calls being made to his wife’s mobile phone number late at night, and quite often in the early hours of the morning. These calls seemed to last for at least a half hour. The calls were also listed as being made from a cell tower close to his brother’s house.

Our client and his brother also gave evidence at the hearing, both with rock solid versions stating that our client lived at his brother’s house for at least a few weeks at the time the notices of suspension were sent out.

The Magistrate found on the balance of probabilities that our client did not receive the suspension notice from the RTA, and therefore did not know he was suspended. He had made an ‘honest and reasonable’ mistake.

Our client defaulted on the payment of a traffic fine which led the RTA to suspend his licence for a period of 3 months. During the 3 month period our client was caught driving in Croydon, Sydney and charged with driving whilst suspended.

Our client argued that he never received the letter from the RTA notifying him that his licence had been suspended. During the time the letter was said to be sent, our client had moved house and the letter was sent to his previous address.

Our client gave evidence at the hearing at Burwood Local Court of his move and called his housemate as a witness who also confirmed the time of the move.

Our solicitor tendered our client’s phone records showing numerous phone calls were made to the suburb which he had moved to at the time the letter was sent.

Her Honour Magistrate Barkell found our client not guilty due to an honest and reasonable mistake of fact because he was unaware his licence had been suspended.

Meet our Founder

Adam Ly, B. Ec. (Majoring in Economics), LL.B.

Managing Director and Principal Lawyer

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Contact LY Lawyers Today!

Contact LY Lawyers today for a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defence lawyer. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.

We understand you may be feeling lost and overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the charges against you; rest assured that as a leading criminal law firm in Sydney, we are well-versed in the complexities of criminal law and are committed to providing you with the aggressive and effective representation you deserve.

“

Achieving results one case at a time

The team at LY Lawyers were great to deal with, after getting charged with a minor offence. The costs were upfront and affordable. Communication was great and I felt like they really cared about me. If I was ever in trouble again they would be my first point of call for help.

Sarah Davies

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-02-01T00:09:03+00:00

Sarah Davies

The team at LY Lawyers were great to deal with, after getting charged with a minor offence. The costs were upfront and affordable. Communication was great and I felt like they really cared about me. If I was ever in trouble again they would be my first point of call for help.

Achieving results one case at a time

What a result from a great team!

Adam handled my case and put everything he had into it. He's a great lawyer at affordable fees. Would highly recommend.

John L.

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-02-01T01:38:38+00:00

John L.

What a result from a great team! Adam handled my case and put everything he had into it. He's a great lawyer at affordable fees. Would highly recommend.

Achieving results one case at a time

Highly recommend! Joseph handled my case and got the result he said i would, communication was great and his advice on what to do to help my case was great, dont hesitate to give them a call if you ever need legal help.

Todd Hurring

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:46:32+00:00

Todd Hurring

Highly recommend! Joseph handled my case and got the result he said i would, communication was great and his advice on what to do to help my case was great, dont hesitate to give them a call if you ever need legal help.

Achieving results one case at a time

Want to say a big thanks to Adam and the team, was looking at jail without a doubt, already had 2 other common assaults, a GBH, and a fair few other charges on my record and facing another GBH. Never done jail before and thought this was my time for sure. Great service from them, Adam always answered my calls and step me through everything the whole way. Managed to stay out of jail with a ICO order, big win, thanks again, highly recommend

Breno T.

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:53:27+00:00

Breno T.

Want to say a big thanks to Adam and the team, was looking at jail without a doubt, already had 2 other common assaults, a GBH, and a fair few other charges on my record and facing another GBH. Never done jail before and thought this was my time for sure. Great service from them, Adam always answered my calls and step me through everything the whole way. Managed to stay out of jail with a ICO order, big win, thanks again, highly recommend

Achieving results one case at a time

I just wanted to say a big thank you to LY Lawyers. My husband just got his sentence at Parramatta District Court last week, expecting to be in jail a lot longer. He was charged with supplying commercial drugs. LY Lawyers represented him with great passion and commitment, all of their staff chipping in to get a short sentence. Only a year to go before he gets out!

Kim Smith

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:53:58+00:00

Kim Smith

I just wanted to say a big thank you to LY Lawyers. My husband just got his sentence at Parramatta District Court last week, expecting to be in jail a lot longer. He was charged with supplying commercial drugs. LY Lawyers represented him with great passion and commitment, all of their staff chipping in to get a short sentence. Only a year to go before he gets out!

Achieving results one case at a time

It was a pleasure to work with LY Lawyers. They got me off from my charge. Could not thank them enough!

William Song

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:54:34+00:00

William Song

It was a pleasure to work with LY Lawyers. They got me off from my charge. Could not thank them enough!

Achieving results one case at a time

Joseph was amazing and did a fine job representing me in my case. He got the job done and got me the result I wanted.

Habib Rahman

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:55:09+00:00

Habib Rahman

Joseph was amazing and did a fine job representing me in my case. He got the job done and got me the result I wanted.

Achieving results one case at a time

Joseph you did an amazing job representing me at Sydney District court . My prior lawyer didn't do anything for me in the local court, but u guys were great in the district court. Thanks for being patient with me too.

Josh Tyler

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:56:43+00:00

Josh Tyler

Joseph you did an amazing job representing me at Sydney District court . My prior lawyer didn't do anything for me in the local court, but u guys were great in the district court. Thanks for being patient with me too.

Achieving results one case at a time

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me with my case and THANK YOU for the section 10!

Craig H

Ly Lawyers
5.0
2017-06-25T22:57:53+00:00

Craig H

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me with my case and THANK YOU for the section 10!
5.0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Being charged with a criminal offence can be a stressful and confusing experience. At LY Lawyers, we understand the challenges you face.

Here’s a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about criminal law in Sydney, Australia:

A: A criminal defence lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in representing individuals accused of crimes. Their role is to protect your rights throughout the legal process, from the initial investigation, to the court proceedings. Here are some key responsibilities of a criminal defence lawyer:

  • Investigating the case: They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyse the prosecution's case to build a strong defence.
  • Providing legal advice: They will explain your legal rights and options and explore your potential defences, guiding you through the complexities of the criminal justice system.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors: They may negotiate plea bargains to potentially reduce charges or penalties.
  • Representing you in court: They will advocate for you in court hearings and trials, presenting your defence arguments.

A: A traffic lawyer is a specialised type of criminal defence lawyer who focuses on traffic offences. These can range from minor speeding tickets to more serious charges like drink driving or driving without a licence. A traffic lawyer can:

  • Challenge the validity of traffic stops or charges.
  • Negotiate for reduced penalties or licence suspensions.
  • Represent you in court for traffic-related offences.

A: Finding the right lawyer for you depends on your specific circumstances. Here are some tips to find the best legal representation:

  • Consider your case: Identify the type of offence and choose a lawyer with significant experience handling similar cases.
  • Research potential lawyers: Read online reviews and testimonials, and check their qualifications and experience.

Contact your preferred lawyers: Schedule consultations to discuss your case and assess their communication style and fees.

A: Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the lawyer's experience, and the length of representation required. Most criminal lawyers offer upfront quotes or hourly rates. Here are some factors impacting the cost:

  • Severity of the charge: More serious charges typically require more lawyer time and resources, thus leading to higher fees.
  • Complexity of the case: Cases with intricate details or witness testimony might require more investigation and legal strategy, thus increasing the cost.
  • Trial vs. Plea Bargain: If your case goes to trial, expect higher fees compared to resolving it through a plea bargain.

A: Many criminal defence lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and get an initial assessment. This can help you understand your legal options and decide if the lawyer is indeed a good fit for you.

A: Here's what to do if you've been accused of a crime:

  • Remain silent: Don't answer any questions from law enforcement officers without your lawyer present.
  • Contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately: They can advise you on your rights and guide you through the next steps.
  • Don't tamper with evidence: Don't attempt to destroy or hide anything related to the case.

Be honest with your lawyer: Provide them with all the details of your situation for the best possible defence.

A: If you can't afford a private lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid. This government programme provides financial assistance for legal representation in criminal cases.

  • The burden of proof lies with the prosecution: They must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • You have the right to remain silent: You don't have to answer any questions that could incriminate yourself.

You have the right to a lawyer: You can request legal representation at any point during the legal process.

A: This is a crucial decision best made in consultation with your lawyer. They will assess the evidence, your potential defences, and the likely outcomes to advise you on the best course of action.