Driving whilst Suspended
Driving whilst your licence has been suspended by Road and Maritime, is not an uncommon offence and often drivers may be unaware that their licence has been suspended so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
The maximum penalty for driving whilst suspended is a fine of $3,300 and the mandatory disqualification period is 6 months.
If it is the case that you were suspended because you did not pay your fines, the mandatory disqualification period is 3 months.
Drive whilst Disqualified
Driving a motor vehicle whilst you are serving a period of disqualification that a court has imposed upon you is very serious. Licence disqualifications can be imposed for example, if you have been disqualified from driving as a result of a drink driving conviction. Depending on the number of times you have committed this offence, the likely penalty ranges from a fine to full-time imprisonment.
There is an automatic period of disqualification for this offence of 6 months, but it could be reduced to a minimum of 3 months. The maximum penalty for driving whilst disqualified is a fine is $3,300 and/or 6 months imprisonment for a first offence.
For a second offence, the automatic period of disqualification is 12 months, but it could be reduced to a minimum of 6 months. The maximum penalty for driving whilst disqualified is a fine is $5,500.00 and/or 12 months imprisonment.