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Good Behaviour Licences in New South Wales
Good Behaviour Licences in New South Wales
If you get caught one too many times for minor traffic offences in NSW, you may accumulate too many demerit points and face losing your licence for a period of time. Rather than accept the suspension period, you may choose to apply for a good behaviour licence, which allows you to continue to drive, without suspension, but on restricted points.
What is a good behaviour licence?
A good behaviour licence is available only to unrestricted licence holders who accumulate 13 or more points in a three year period. Rather than having your licence suspended at this point, you may apply to the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) for a good behaviour licence. The licence runs for a 12 month period during which you are only entitled to accumulate 2 demerit points.
How do I apply for a Good Behaviour Licence?
Once you have exceeded your demerit point limit you will be issued with a Notice of Suspension by RMS. The suspension notice will state the date on which your suspension will start. You MUST apply for a good behaviour licence BEFORE your licence suspension commences. You can do this either in person at an RMS Contact Centre or online via https://www.myrta.com
What if I am charged with a traffic offence during the good behaviour period?
If you receive 2 or more points limit while driving on a good behaviour licence you will lose your licence for double the initial suspension period. The initial suspension period will depend on the number of points you originally accumulated:
| Points Accumulated | Suspension Period |
|---|---|
| 13 – 15 | 3 months |
| 16 – 19 | 4 months |
| 20+ | 5 months |
| P-Plates and L-Plates | 3 months |
Example: if you originally accumulated 15 points and elected a good behaviour period and proceed to lose 2 or more points while on good behaviour, then your licence will be suspended for 8 months.
You are not able to appeal a licence suspension; however you can challenge the traffic offence itself by electing to have the matter heard in Court. You then have the option of pleading not guilty (if you believe you can show the Court you are innocent of the offence) or pleading guilty and applying to have the matter dealt with under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act (NSW) 1999. If you are successful under a section 10 application, the charge is proven but no criminal conviction is recorded.
If you choose to have your matter heard in Court you should seek legal advice from an experienced Traffic Lawyer prior to your hearing. You may also seek further information at the Roads and Maritime Services homepage www.rms.nsw.gov.au
Laura Turner
Senior Associate
Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.
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