02 9159 9010
Charged with a Traffic Offence in NSW?
Traffic offences in NSW are governed primarily by the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), which establishes a range of offences and penalties aimed at promoting road safety. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, penalties may include fines, demerit points, licence suspension or disqualification, mandatory interlock programs, and in more serious cases, imprisonment.
We are specialist speeding offences solicitor in Sydney with extensive experience representing clients charged with all types of traffic offences across Sydney and NSW. Whether you are facing a drink driving charge, have been caught driving whilst suspended or disqualified, or need to appeal a licence suspension by Transport for NSW, our dangerous driving lawyer in Sydney provides clear advice, strong representation, and works to achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have been charged with a traffic offence, contact us as your lawyer for driving offence in Sydney on 02 9159 9010 for a free, confidential consultation.
Our Traffic Law Practice Areas
Speeding Offence
Under section 20 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), it is an offence to exceed the applicable speed limit.
Unlicensed Driving
An offence under section 53 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW). Includes driving without ever having held a licence
Drink Driving
Drink driving offences are regulated under sections 110 to 113 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW). These offences are categorised by blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Drug Driving
Under section 111 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), it is an offence to drive while a prescribed illicit drug is present in your oral fluid, blood, or urine.
Speeding Offences
Under section 20 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), it is an offence to exceed the applicable speed limit. Speed limits are prescribed under the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2021 (NSW). Penalties increase depending on how far the driver exceeds the speed limit, with higher-range speeding attracting demerit points, immediate licence suspension, and court attendance.
| Speeding Offence | Light Vehicle Max Fine | Heavy Vehicle Max Fine | Licence Disqualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 10 km/h over | $2,200 | $2,200 | — |
| 10–20 km/h over | $2,200 | $2,200 | — |
| 20–30 km/h over | $2,200 | $2,200 | — |
| 30–45 km/h over | $2,200 | $2,200 | Min. 3 months |
| 45+ km/h over | $3,300 | $5,500 | Min. 6 months |
In addition to fines, speeding offences attract demerit points depending on the severity, and in higher ranges, immediate licence suspension or a court attendance notice.
Drink Driving Offences
Drink driving offences are regulated under sections 110 to 113 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW). These offences are categorised by blood alcohol concentration (BAC), with penalties increasing according to severity and prior offending history.
The five categories of prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) are:
- Novice Range PCA: A learner, P1, or P2 driver with a BAC above zero (up to 0.019)
- Special Range PCA: A learner, P1, P2, bus, taxi, or interlock driver with a BAC between 0.02 and 0.049
- Low Range PCA: A driver with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079
- Mid Range PCA: A driver with a BAC between 0.08 and 0.149
- High Range PCA: A driver with a BAC of 0.15 or above
- Refusal to submit to breath test: Treated as a high range offence
First Offence Penalties
| PCA Level | Max Fine | Disqualification | Interlock | Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | $2,200 | Min. 3 months / Max. 6 months | — | — |
| Special | $2,200 | Min. 3 months / Max. 6 months | — | — |
| Low | $2,200 | Min. 3 months / Max. 6 months | — | — |
| Mid | $2,200 | Min. 3 months / Max. 6 months | 1 year | Max. 18 months |
| High | $3,300 | Min. 1 year / Max. 3 years | 2 years | Max. 18 months |
Second or Subsequent Offence Penalties
| PCA Level | Max Fine | Disqualification | Interlock | Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | $3,300 | Min. 1 month / Max. 3 months | 1 year | — |
| Special | $3,300 | Min. 1 month / Max. 3 months | 1 year | — |
| Low | $3,300 | Min. 1 month / Max. 3 months | 1 year | — |
| Mid | $3,300 | Min. 3 months / Max. 6 months | 2 years | Max. 12 months |
| High | $5,500 | Min. 1 year / Max. 3 years | 4 years | Max. 24 months |
Note: An interlock program requires an electronic breath-testing device to be installed in the offender’s vehicle. The driver must provide a nil alcohol reading before the vehicle will start. For an offence to be considered a “second or subsequent offence,” the prior offence must be a major traffic offence committed within the previous 5 years.
Unlicensed Driving
Unlicensed driving is an offence under section 53 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW). This includes driving without ever having held a licence, driving with an expired licence, or driving outside the conditions of a licence (for example, a learner driving unsupervised).
A person who has never been licensed commits a more serious form of the offence under section 53(3), which carries a maximum penalty of $3,300 and/or 6 months’ imprisonment for a second or subsequent offence, along with a default disqualification period of 12 months (minimum 3 months).
Interstate and overseas drivers may be permitted to drive in NSW using a non-NSW licence in certain circumstances. Interstate licence holders are generally permitted to drive for up to three months after becoming a NSW resident. Overseas licence holders may drive for a limited period, however permanent visa holders must obtain a NSW licence within three months.
For detailed information on specific traffic offences, including penalties, defences, and the court process, visit our dedicated pages:
- Driving Whilst Licence Suspended
- Driving Whilst Licence Disqualified
- Driving With Illicit Drug Present
- Licence Appeals — Appealing a Transport for NSW Decision
Or you can contact our driving disqualification solicitors in Sydney by calling at 02 9159 9010
How Blackridge Law Can Help
01 Free Initial Consultation
We assess your matter and provide clear advice on your options and the likely outcomes at no cost.02 Expert Defence Strategies
We analyse the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case, and build a defence strategy tailored to your circumstances.
03 Section 10 Dismissals
We work to achieve non-conviction outcomes wherever possible, protecting your criminal record and your licence.
04 Fixed Fees and Transparent Pricing
We offer fixed-fee options for traffic matters so you know your costs upfront with no surprises.
05 Traffic Offender Programs
Where appropriate, we assist clients in enrolling in the Traffic Offender Intervention Program (TOIP), which can be presented to the court as evidence of rehabilitation.
06 Court Representation Across NSW
We appear at Local Courts across Sydney and NSW, including Bankstown, Parramatta, Liverpool, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Penrith, Burwood, Fairfield, Sutherland, and the Downing Centre.
Speak with a lawyer
Charged with a traffic offence? Call Blackridge Law now.
Suite 36, Level 4, 402-410 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200
Free consultation | Fixed fees | Available 24/7
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