By James Stevens, Director and Solicitor, Go To Court Lawyers. Last reviewed 14 April 2026.
The Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 makes it an offence to drive whilst your licence is suspended or disqualified in Tasmania. There are many reasons why a licence may be suspended or disqualified. If you are caught driving on a public road in Tasmania, without a valid licence you will be guilty of an offence. Penalties for the offence of driving whilst suspended in Tasmania include disqualification, fines or even imprisonment.
Understanding the serious consequences of driving without a valid licence is crucial for all motorists in Tasmania. The penalties can have significant impacts on your daily life, employment prospects, and future driving privileges. Many drivers are unaware that their licence has been suspended until they are stopped by police, making it essential to stay informed about your licence status at all times.
A driver's licence may be suspended in Tasmania or be disqualified for the following reasons:
- The offender has never held a licence in Tasmania.
- The offender has a licence that has expired and not been renewed.
- The individual has a licence that is under suspension for administrative reasons (i.e. medical grounds).
- The offender has accumulated demerit points that warrant a suspension/disqualification.
- The offender has accumulated speeding or other traffic offences that require a suspension/disqualification period to be imposed.
- The offender has committed a criminal offence i.e. drug driving and a suspension/disqualification period has been ordered by the court.
- Failure to pay outstanding fines or complete required driver education programs.
- Court-ordered suspension following serious traffic violations or criminal convictions.
In the event that you have already been suspended or disqualified from obtaining a licence, and are caught driving on any public road within Tasmania, you will be guilty of an offence.
Driving whilst suspended in Tasmania
Legal Framework and Penalties
Under section 9 of the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999, it is an offence to drive on a public road whilst your licence is subject to a suspension. This offence covers local licenses as well as foreign licences subject to a suspension period. Further, this section of the Act makes it an offence for a person to employ an individual and permit them to drive a motor vehicle on a public street if their licence is subject to a suspension.
The maximum penalty for a first offence is a fine of 30 penalty units or imprisonment for three months. For a second or subsequent offender, a fine will generally be imposed of up to 300 penalty units as well as a term of imprisonment of up to six months. The courts, depending on the severity of the case, may choose to impose a fine or imprisonment, or both. It is important to note that the court will also impose a period of licence disqualification.
Impact on Employment and Daily Life
Being convicted of driving whilst suspended can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate penalties. Many employers require a valid driver's licence, particularly in industries involving transportation, delivery services, or client visits. A conviction may result in job loss or difficulty finding future employment. Additionally, the extended disqualification period can severely impact your ability to commute, attend medical appointments, or fulfil family responsibilities.
Driving whilst disqualified in Tasmania
Severe Penalties for Disqualified Driving
Under section 13 of the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999, it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a public street in Tasmania whilst your licence is subject to a disqualification. A person's first offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine of 40 penalty units or imprisonment for six months, or both, and a licence disqualification period of up to three years. A second or subsequent offence can attract a fine of up to 80 penalty units, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, and licence disqualification for a period of up to five years.
Court Considerations
When determining penalties for driving whilst disqualified, magistrates consider various factors including the reason for the original disqualification, the length of time driving whilst disqualified, whether the offence occurred during a period when the person was already before the courts, and the person's traffic history. The court may also consider personal circumstances such as employment needs, family responsibilities, and medical requirements, though these factors rarely outweigh the seriousness of the offence.
Defences
Knowledge-Based Defences
In rare circumstances, a person may succeed in defending a charge of driving while suspended or disqualified. The most common defence is that the offender did not know, or could not have known that their licence was subject to a suspension/disqualification. However, this defence will only be available in limited circumstances and is subject to many exceptions.
For this defence to succeed, the accused must demonstrate that they took reasonable steps to ensure their licence was valid and that the suspension or disqualification was not properly communicated to them. The court will examine whether notices were sent to the correct address and whether the person could reasonably have been expected to know about the suspension.
Emergency Defences
In some circumstances, a defence of duress or sudden and extraordinary emergency may also be available. These defences apply in situations where a person was compelled to drive due to circumstances beyond their control, such as rushing someone to hospital in a life-threatening emergency or being threatened with immediate harm.
Court Process and Legal Representation
Appearing in Court
Charges for driving whilst suspended or disqualified in Tasmania are typically heard in the Magistrates Court. The process begins with the issuing of a summons requiring you to appear in court on a specific date. It's crucial to attend all court hearings as failure to appear may result in additional charges and the issuing of a warrant for your arrest.
Importance of Legal Advice
Given the serious penalties and long-term consequences associated with these offences, obtaining experienced legal representation is essential. A qualified traffic lawyer can examine the evidence, identify potential defences, negotiate with prosecutors, and present mitigating factors to the court. Early legal intervention may also help in exploring alternative options such as plea negotiations or diversionary programs where available.
Prevention and Staying Compliant
Checking Your Licence Status
The most effective way to avoid charges for driving whilst suspended is to regularly check your licence status through the Department of State Growth's online services or by contacting them directly. This is particularly important after receiving traffic fines, accumulating demerit points, or being involved in any court proceedings.
Addressing Suspensions Promptly
If you discover your licence has been suspended, it's important to understand the reason and take appropriate action to have it reinstated. This may involve paying outstanding fines, completing required courses, serving the suspension period, or addressing medical concerns. Continuing to drive during this time will only compound your legal problems and extend any disqualification period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I'm caught driving whilst suspended for the first time?
For a first offence of driving whilst suspended under section 9 of the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999, you face a maximum penalty of 30 penalty units or three months imprisonment. The court will also impose an additional licence disqualification period. The exact penalty depends on factors such as the reason for the original suspension and your traffic history.
Can I get a work licence if my licence is suspended in Tasmania?
Tasmania does not have a work licence system like some other states. If your licence is suspended or disqualified, you cannot legally drive for any purpose, including work, unless you successfully apply to have the suspension lifted or appeal the original decision that led to the suspension.