Driving While Suspended or Disqualified – What You Need to Know
In Victoria, driving while your licence is suspended or disqualified is a serious criminal offence under the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic). It is treated very seriously by the courts and can result in heavy fines, loss of licence, or even imprisonment.
Importantly, this is a strict liability offence. That means you can be found guilty even if you did not realise your licence was suspended or disqualified, or had no intention to break the law. Simply being caught driving on a suspended or disqualified licence is enough for the charge to be made out.
Possible Penalties
Penalties vary depending on your circumstances, prior history, and the reasons for driving. They may include:
- Fines – penalties can be significant, with maximum fines in the tens of thousands of dollars, though most first-time offenders receive far lower amounts.
- Imprisonment – for serious or repeat offences, the court can impose up to 2 years imprisonment.
- Further licence loss – the Magistrate can order an additional period of suspension or disqualification.
- Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture – police may impound your car and, in repeat cases, apply to permanently forfeit it.
- Community Corrections Orders – occasionally imposed for repeat offenders instead of a prison term.
Why Legal Representation Matters
The court will consider factors such as:
- why you were driving,
- why your licence was suspended in the first place,
- your work, family and personal circumstances, and
- your prior driving history.
At Parke Lawyers, our experienced traffic and criminal lawyers understand how to present your case in the best possible light. We work to minimise penalties and, wherever possible, help clients avoid further licence loss so they can continue to work and support their families.
If you’ve been charged with driving while suspended or disqualified, contact Parke Lawyers immediately for clear advice and expert representation.
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