Traffic offence lawyers Gold Coast & Brisbane
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WORK LICENCES | POLICE CHARGES | HARDSHIP ORDERS
Experienced Traffic Lawyers Serving Gold Coast & Brisbane
If you’re facing a traffic offence in Gold Coast or Brisbane, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. Our experienced traffic lawyers can help you with all traffic offences, including drink driving, licence suspensions, licence disqualifications and speeding offences. An experienced traffic lawyer will help you protect your licence and get you back on the road sooner!
Don’t let a traffic offence disrupt your life. Contact us today for expert legal advice and representation.
Driving licence need saving? Here's how we have helped people avoid licence suspension across the Gold Coast & Brisbane
Across the Gold Coast and Brisbane, we’ve successfully helped clients retain their driving privileges even after being charged with traffic offences. If losing your licence would impact your job, family responsibilities, or essential daily tasks, you may be eligible for a work licence or special hardship order.
In the next section, we’ll explain how these special licences work and how we can help you apply.
Giving you the best chance of receiving a Restricted Work Licence or Special Hardship Order
In Queensland if you’re facing a licence suspension, you may apply for a Restricted Work Licence or Special Hardship Order (SHO) to drive lawfully under strict conditions. While both options can help you get back on the road, they apply in different situations:
Work Licence: Available for certain drink or drug driving offences, allowing you to drive for work related purposes only.
Special Hardship Order: Available for demerit point suspensions or high-speed offences (40km/h over the speed limit), allowing you to drive in special circumstances where losing your licence would cause extreme hardship.
Applying for these licences require strong supporting evidence and must be heard before a Magistrate. Our lawyers can help you maximise the chances of approval and represent you in court, ensuring you can drive as soon as possible.
Traffic offences we can help defend on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
Facing a traffic offence can be confusing and stressful, but legal representation can make all the difference. Our lawyers will guide you through the legal process and represent you in court, ensuring you’re being helped each step of the way. We defend all traffic offences from minor offences to serious offences that carry jail time.
Every client has their own unique set of circumstances, and with the right defence strategy we can help you minimise any penalties and avoid imprisonment. Click below to learn more about the different offences we can help you defend.
Get a free, no obligation case assessment to learn about your options
Traffic offence case assessment (free)
We offer a free traffic offence case assessment, so you understand the charges brought against you.
Free advice on possible traffic offence penalties & options for defence
During the initial traffic case assessment, our lawyers will provide you free basic advice on the penalties you may face and your options for defending your charges.
Quote & payment plan
We offer fixed-fee prices with no hidden costs, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for upfront. Flexible payment plans are also available to suit your budget.
Case preparation
After payment our lawyers will prepare your case and organise all necessary documents to support your defence. We offer personalised support throughout the whole process and will keep you informed of any updates.
Representation in court
Our lawyers are prepared, ready and willing to go the extra-mile when advocating for our clients. The main goal is to achieve the best possible outcome.
Case finalised
A decision will be finalised in court, achieving the best possible outcome. We will guide you on the next steps forward if applicable.
Traffic offence charges we have experience defending in QLD
Dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm
Dangerous driving occurs when a driver of a motor vehicle drives in a manner that is dangerous and exposes road users and passengers to risks over and above the ordinary risks faced in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle. If this driving causes the death or grievous bodily harm to another, this charge may apply.
Possible penalties
Imprisonment: Maximum 14 years or 20 years if knowingly leaving a deceased or injured person, excessively speeding, adversely affected by drugs or alcohol or if the incident occurs whilst evading police
Licence Disqualification: Minimum 1 year, can be higher depending on any aggravating factors (for Dangerous operation causing death or grievous bodily harm)
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have helped clients achieve the minimum penalties and, in some cases, have had dangerous driving causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) downgraded to the simpler offence of dangerous driving or careless driving.
Refusing Roadside Saliva Test
Refusing to provide a saliva sample when lawfully required by police is an offence, often treated the same as a positive drug test.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A fine up to $6000 or imprisonment up to 6 months.
Licence Disqualification: Minimum 6 months, can be higher depending on any aggravating factors.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have helped clients avoid longer disqualification periods and minimum fines. Under this offence you’re unable to apply for a Restricted Work Licence or SHO.
Unlicenced driving
Driving without a valid licence in Queensland can lead to suspensions and in some cases court-imposed disqualifications.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A fine up to $6400, with possible imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Licence Disqualification: Depends on the type of unlicenced driving.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended thousands of clients charged with this offence, securing the minimum penalties and no criminal conviction recorded.
Driving While Having a Suspended Licence
Driving while your licence is suspended is an offence, leading to disqualification and fines. Suspended driving can include driving with an expired licence, cancelled licence or unpaid fines.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A fine up to $6400, with possible imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Licence Disqualification: Usually 6 months but can range from 1 to 6 months depending on the circumstances.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended thousands of clients charged with this offence, securing the minimum penalties and no criminal conviction recorded.
Drink Driving
Being over the legal alcohol limit while driving can lead to serious penalties, even for first-time offenders.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A fine up to $4500 for driving under the influence, however, can increase with repeat offences.
Licence Disqualification: The minimum disqualification period is 1 month for low-range, 3 months for mid-range, and 6 months for high-range offences.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended thousands of clients charged with this offence, applying for Restricted Work Licences, allowing them to continue driving for work while serving their disqualification period.
Drug Driving
If you’re caught driving impaired while under the influence of drugs, you can face fines, imprisonment and licence disqualifications.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A fine up to $4500 for driving under the influence, however can increase with repeat offences.
Licence Disqualification: The minimum disqualification period is 1 month for low-range, 3 months for mid-range, and 6 months for high-range offences.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended clients that have been driving under the influence of drugs, securing minimum penalties and no criminal conviction recorded.
Hit & Run
Failing to stop and provide details after an accident is a serious offence, especially if injury or damage occurs.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A fine up to $3000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, however this is significantly increased if the hit and run causes Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) or death.
Licence Disqualification: If convicted the court must disqualify you from driving for a period of at least 6 months.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended clients by getting certain charges downgraded and minimising the disqualification periods.
Police Evasion
Failing to stop and provide details after an accident is a serious offence, especially if injury or damage occurs.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: A mandatory minimum fine of approximately $8000 or imprisonment of 50 days served in corrective services facility. Additional imprisonment and fines can apply.
Licence Disqualification: If convicted the court must disqualify you from driving for a period of at least 2 years.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended clients by securing the minimum penalties and in some cases suspended sentences.
Hooning
Hooning refers to anti-social behaviour with a motor vehicle, including dangerous driving, street racing, burnouts and producing unnecessary noise. These offences grant the police powers to impound, immobilise or confiscate vehicles that engage in hooning.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Can vary depending on the offence.
Licence Disqualification: Licence disqualifications can apply if charged with dangerous driving, careless driving or street racing.
Vehicle Impoundment: Up to 90 days and longer periods for repeat offenders.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended clients by securing minimum disqualification periods and applying for early release of impounded vehicles.
Drink Driving on your Ps
Provisional drivers in Queensland must have zero alcohol (0.00% BAC) in their system, this applies to learners, P1 and P2 drivers.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $2000 or 3 months imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Licence Disqualification: Minimum 3 to 9 months licence disqualification.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully defended clients by securing minimum disqualification periods and no conviction recorded.
Repeat Unlicenced Driving
Repeat offences for unlicenced driving can result in higher fines and disqualification periods. The courts impose harsher penalties for repeat offenders as a deterrent.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $6000 or 1 year imprisonment.
Licence Disqualification: Minimum 1 to 6 months, the court will look at the circumstances of your case when determining your disqualification period.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have successfully helped clients avoid imprisonment, criminal convictions and secured the minimum disqualification periods.
Refusing a Roadside Breathalyser
Refusing a breath test or saliva test is an offence and justifies further testing being required regardless of whether you are under the influence or indeed have no alcohol or drugs in your system.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $6452 or up to 6 months imprisonment.
Licence Disqualification: The court can impose a disqualification period depending on the circumstances of your offence.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have secured no disqualification periods for our clients and reduced fines for this offence.
Driving with Relevant Drug in Saliva
You can be charged with driving with a relevant drug even if you were driving legally and following the road rules.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $2300 or up to 3 months imprisonment.
Licence Disqualification: Minimum 1 month disqualification up to 9 months.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have secured Restricted Work Licences for thousands of clients allowing them to drive lawfully for work purposes, in addition we have helped our clients achieve minimum fines.
Driving with a Fake Licence
A person driving with a fake licence can be charged with unlawful possession of a licence and unlicenced driving. Fake licenses can include forged, altered, or fraudulently obtained licences.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $2000 or up to 3 months imprisonment, penalties can increase if charged with unlawful possession of licenses.
Licence Disqualification: Minimum 1 month disqualification up to 9 months, if caught driving with a fake licence.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have secured the minimum disqualification periods for our clients with no criminal conviction recorded.
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
A person who drives dangerously, posing a risk to public safety, can face disqualifications and imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $32,000 or up to 3 years imprisonment.
Licence Disqualification: 6-month licence disqualification, if summarily convicted for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have secured the minimum disqualification periods for our clients and suspended sentences for aggravated offences.
Breaching Restricted Work Licence
Failing to follow your work licence conditions can lead to cancellation of your work licence and other penalties. You must also have zero alcohol in your system while driving with a work licence.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $3000.
Licence Disqualification: A person convicted of breaching their work licence will be disqualified from driving for 3 months, starting after their original disqualification ends. If the conviction happens later, the 3-month disqualification begins from the conviction date.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have represented many clients charged with breaching their work licence and have successfully minimised fines, avoided criminal record convictions and further penalties.
Breaching Special Hardship Order (SHO)
A Special Hardship Order (SHO) allows restricted driving privileges under strict conditions imposed by the courts. While you are on a SHO a zero-demerit point limit applies.
Possible penalties
Fines & Imprisonment: Fine up to $3000.
Licence Disqualification: A person convicted of breaching their SHO will be disqualified from driving for 3 months, starting after their original disqualification ends. If the conviction happens later, the 3-month disqualification begins from the conviction date.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have represented many clients charged with breaching their SHO and have successfully minimised fines, avoided criminal record convictions and further penalties.
Driving 40kms Over the Speed Limit
Speeding 40km/h over the speed limit is considered excessive speeding and will result in an automatic 6-month suspension and 8 demerit points.
Possible penalties
Fine & Demerit Points: $1,854 fine and 8 demerit points.
Licence Disqualification: Department of Transport and Main Roads will send you a letter stating you have lost your licence for 6 months.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have represented many clients charged with driving 40km/h over the speed limit, securing Special Hardship Orders (SHO) allowing
Driving While Using Mobile Phone
Driving while using a mobile phone is a dangerous offence that carries fines and demerit points.
Fine & Demerit Points: $1,209 fine and 4 demerit points, double demerits apply for a second and subsequent offences.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have assisted clients in challenging fines and reducing demerit points where possible.
Driving Unregistered Vehicle
Driving a vehicle that is unregistered is a strict liability offence, meaning intent does not need to be proven. An unregistered vehicle is one that does not hold valid registration which is required for lawful driving in Queensland.
Possible penalties
Fine: A fine up to $12,500.
Impoundment: If you’re caught driving an unregistered vehicle twice, the police can impound your vehicle for up to 90 days.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have assisted clients in challenging fines and applying for early release of impounded vehicles.
Licence Suspension for Unpaid Fines
Failing to pay a fine from the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER), can result in your driver’s licence being suspended. Driving on a SPER-suspended licence is the same as driving on a suspended licence, and the same penalties will apply.
Possible penalties
Fine & Imprisonment: A fine up to $6400, with possible imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Disqualification: Minimum 1 month disqualification up to 6 months.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have secured the minimum disqualification periods for our clients with no criminal conviction recorded.
False or Misleading Information Provided Under the Transport Act
Providing false or misleading information such as fake licence details, false demerit point claims, or fraudulent statutory declarations can result in penalties.
Possible penalties
Fine & Imprisonment: Fines of up to $16,000 with potential imprisonment of up to 2 years for serious offences.
How we have helped clients with this charge on the Gold Coast & Brisbane
We have secured the minimum penalties for our clients with no criminal convictions recorded.
If I am going to plead guilty to a traffic offence, why do I need a traffic offence lawyer?
Even if you’re planning to plead guilty to an offence, having an experienced traffic lawyer can positively impact your case. We have represented thousands of clients for traffic offences and criminal charges, our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Risks of self representation:
- Facing harsher penalties, including longer disqualification periods.
- Failing to mention important aspects to the Magistrate.
- Not getting a work licence.
- Being sentenced to imprisonment.
Benefits of an experienced traffic lawyer:
- Receive advice on likely penalty and disqualification period.
- Court preparation assistance.
- Mitigate lengthy disqualifications and penalties.
- Succeed in obtaining your work licence.
- An experienced advocate who can make submissions on your behalf.
- Knowledge of the law and courts.
Get free advice from a traffic offence lawyer on the Gold Coast & Brisbane today!
At Drink Driving Lawyers, we particularly specialise in all driving offences. We regularly appear at local courts across Brisbane & the Gold Coast and are committed in providing you with the best outcome possible in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a traffic offence a criminal offence in QLD?
Minor traffic offences such as running a red light or speeding are considered infringement offences and do not carry a criminal record. Serious traffic offences such as dangerous driving, drink/drug driving, unlicensed driving, or driving while disqualified are considered criminal offences under the law. These offences may result in fines, licence disqualification, and even imprisonment.
What is the statute of limitations on traffic offences in Queensland?
For summary offences (most traffic infringements), prosecution must commence within one year of the offence. Other Commonwealth offences have no statute of limitations, for example murder has no statute of limitations.
Can a traffic lawyer speak on my behalf?
Yes – our experienced traffic lawyers will advocate on your behalf in court.
I need a driving licence for work, what can I do?
If you have been charged with a drink or drug offence and have not previously been convicted within the last 5 years, you can apply for a Restricted Work Licence. A Restricted Work Licence allows you to drive for work purposes only, you cannot drive to the shops or drop your kids off at school.
Contact us today on 07 3999 8661 for a free consultation, we will assess your eligibility for a Restricted Work Licence and provide you with options moving forward.