Cumulative licence disqualification

If you are convicted of multiple traffic offences, the disqualification periods imposed by the court are served one after the other. This is called cumulative disqualification.

Cumulative disqualifications have resulted in many traffic offenders being penalised with disqualification periods of more than two years.

So it’s important you don’t drive if you’ve been penalised with a disqualification or suspension.

What offences does it apply to?

Cumulative disqualifications apply to the following driving offences.

  • Drink driving
  • Drug driving
  • Supervising a learner driver while your blood alcohol level is over 0.05
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle while adversely affected by alcohol or drugs
  • Driving while immediately suspended (following a mid-range or high-range drink driving charge)
  • Driving while disqualified by a court order
  • Driving outside the conditions of a work licence

Any disqualification periods will be cumulative if you’re charged with two or more of the above offences, or if you’re convicted with one of the above offences while your licence is already disqualified or suspended.

How does it work?

Cumulative disqualifications are automatic. The Magistrate doesn’t have to order that the disqualification periods imposed are cumulative.

If you’re charged with two or more of the above offences at the same time, separate disqualification periods will be ordered for each offence and they will be cumulative.

If you’re charged with one of the above offences while your licence is already suspended or disqualified, the new disqualification period will start after your current disqualification period ends.

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