Licence & Administrative Appeals

Don’t Face a Licence Suspension Alone. We Can Help You Appeal.

Losing your driver’s licence can impact your life, your job, and your ability to manage daily responsibilities and family life. If you have received a notice of suspension from NSW Police or Transport for NSW, you have a limited window to appeal the decision. 

Our Nowra-based criminal law firm can provide the expert legal guidance needed to challenge your suspension. We’ll work with you to prepare a comprehensive case for the Local Court, focusing on your specific circumstances and why you need to keep your licence.

Have You Received a Licence Suspension Notice?

There are several reasons why your licence may be suspended. 

Immediate Police Suspension

NSW Police can issue an immediate ‘on-the-spot’ suspension notice for serious offences, including:

• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h (or 30 km/h for Learners or Provisional licence holders)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Refusing or failing to submit to a breath test or blood test
• Street racing or aggravated burnout offences
• Negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm

If you have received an immediate police suspension, you may be able to appeal to the Local Court. The appeal must be lodged within 28 days of receiving the notice, so you’ll need to act quickly.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Suspension

The TfNSW can suspend your licence for reasons, such as:

• Camera-detected offences
• Exceeding your demerit points limit
• Medical reasons
• Failure to pay fines

If you are an unrestricted licence holder suspended for exceeding your demerit points limit, you cannot appeal the suspension. However, you may be eligible to apply for a ‘good behaviour’ licence instead. We can help you understand your available options.

How We Can Help with Your Licence Appeal

Appealing a licence suspension is a formal process with strict requirements. Simply showing up to court is not enough; you need a well-prepared case for the best chance of success. Our team will guide you through every step.

1. Expert Advice and Case Preparation

We’ll review the details of your suspension, your driving history, and your circumstances to advise on the strength of your appeal. We’ll help you gather all necessary documentation and evidence, such as character references, employment letters, or medical reports, to support your case.

2. Lodging Your Appeal and Court Representation

There is a 28-day time limit to lodge your appeal with the Local Court. We’ll handle the entire process, including the application and paperwork, to ensure it is filed correctly and on time. On the day of your hearing, our lawyers will represent you in the Nowra Court, presenting your case to the Magistrate.

3. Presenting Your Case to the Court

The Magistrate will consider a range of factors when deciding your appeal, including:

• Your need for a licence (e.g., for work, family, or medical reasons)
• Your driving record and history
• The circumstances surrounding the offence
• Your character and remorse for the incident

Our role is to highlight these factors effectively and argue for the best possible outcome for you.

Potential Outcomes of Your Appeal

The court has several options when hearing your appeal:

• Allow the appeal: The suspension is set aside, and you can continue to drive.
• Vary the suspension: The period of your suspension is reduced.
• Dismiss the appeal: The original suspension stands, and you must serve the full period.

Administrative Appeals

We can also advise and assist clients wishing to appeal against certain administrative decisions. We specialise in internal reviews against the revocation or refusal of firearms licences and working with children checks.

Don’t Delay, Time is Critical

The 28-day deadline to appeal a licence suspension is not flexible. Contacting us as soon as you receive your suspension notice is the most important step you can take. Contact our Nowra traffic lawyers today for a confidential discussion about your licence suspension appeal.

For assistance, email [email protected] or call 02 4423 4115.