Driving and traffic law
General driving offences
Licences and related offences
Driving without a licence or breaching licence conditions
Land Transport Act 1998, ss 5(1)(a), (b), 31 Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, Schedule 1
To drive a vehicle on the road you must have a current licence that’s appropriate for you and your vehicle. It’s an offence to drive with an expired licence, or to drive without the appropriate type (for example, if your licence doesn’t cover your type of vehicle), or to breach the conditions of your licence. You can be given an infringement notice (a ticket) for $400 – or you can be fined up to $1,000 if you’re prosecuted and convicted through the courts.
Driving while disqualified or suspended
Land Transport Act 1998, ss 5(1)(c), 32
It’s a criminal offence to drive while you’re disqualified or while your licence is suspended or revoked, or to breach the terms of a limited licence, alcohol interlock licence or zero alcohol licence.
On your first or second conviction, you can be imprisoned for up to three months or fined up to $4,500, and you’ll also be disqualified for at least six months. For your third or later conviction, you can be imprisoned for up to two years or fined up to $6,000, and you’ll be disqualified for at least one year.
Not producing your licence for the Police
Land Transport Act 1998, ss 5(4), 31 Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, Schedule 1
If the police stop you while you’re driving, you must show them your licence straight away. If you don’t, they can give you a $55 infringement notice on the spot, or if you’re prosecuted and convicted through the courts you can be fined up to $1,000.
