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Special Hardship Orders in Queensland
Updated on May 29, 2015 • 2 min read • 211 views • Copy Link
Special Hardship Orders in Queensland
In Queensland, various traffic and driving offences require a driver to lose a number of demerit points. If an open licence–holder loses 12 points within a three year period (4 points for a provisional licence holder) then, unless the driver takes action, the licence is automatically suspended for a period of between three and five months, depending on the number of points accrued. This means that the driver commits an offence if he or she drives during that period, punishable by a fine of up to $4400 and/or up to a year in prison, together with a mandatory further ban of 6 months.
It is possible to alleviate the problem. The Department of Transport will forward a “Notice to Choose’ when 12 points are reached. This gives the driver the option of either accepting the suspension, or choosing a Good Behaviour Driving Period. During this period, which lasts for a year, the driver will be allowed to drive without conditions provided that he or she does not accumulate more than one more demerit point during that period. If two or more points are awarded, the driver’s licence is suspended for double the length of time of the original ban, if it had been taken at the time. For example, a driver accumulates 13 points, and opts for a Good Driving Behaviour Period. If he then receives a further two or more points in this period, his licence will be suspended for six months rather than three.
For someone in this position, it may be possible to apply to the Court for a Special Hardship Order. This is a Court order that allows the driver to continue driving, although there may be conditions on when and where the person can drive, such as only to and from work, or between certain times.
To be eligible, the driver must not have had his licence suspended or cancelled, or been disqualified from driving, within the five years immediately before the licence was suspended, or convicted of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. The driver must show that the suspension will either cause extreme hardship to him or his family by depriving him of the means of earning a living, OR that it will cause severe and unusual hardship to him and his family other than by depriving him of the means of earning a living.
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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