Australia is strict about traffic and road rules, as the country makes the person at fault pay a heavy price for any violation. One of the common areas includes speeding cases. Most road accidents occur due to driving faster than the legal limit. Drivers often err in this matter due to hurry, emergencies, under the influence of substances, etc. If you get caught, you get a ticket and pay fines. It is done to discourage potential offenders and minimise road accidents. Punishment becomes severe depending on the intensity of the offence. Serious consequences can be faced if you drive 45 km/hr speed or higher against the recommended limit or if you drive even though your license was suspended or disqualified. There can be other scenarios as well.
If you drive 45 km/hr over the permissible speed limit, you get demerit points, increasing the risk of license suspension and car and plate number seizure. The officer can suspend for a license up to 6 months. There is also a risk of disqualification, which usually is decided by the court. You can defend yourself in two ways when you receive a penalty notice.
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Ways to challenge the speeding penalty
Strategic Traffic lawyers say you can request review or appeal in court if you feel an error has occurred. Depending on the situation, authorities can cancel penalties or leave you after giving a warning, or your penalty will stand. So, if you committed a traffic offence under an emergency, you were not in the driving seat, or there was a mechanical breakdown, you can pursue this path. During the review process, the penalty will remain pending. Suppose you don’t get a favourable verdict. In that case, you can head to the court.
For this, you will need the support of an experienced traffic law lawyer who can represent your case and help prove your innocence. Once the proceedings begin, you have to stick to the procedures. Usually, a court appeal should be made within 28 days of receiving the notice.
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A few crucial insights
After getting pulled over for speeding, you may decide not to pay a penalty because you think you didn’t make any mistake or certain circumstances played the role. Also, such incidents can lead to demerit points that can cause license suspension. Hence, talk to a traffic attorney before doing anything. They can help you save your hard-earned money. You can seek their assistance through the entire legal system and depend on them to suggest what is in your best interest.
Do you live in Queensland? This Australian state has many law firms. Focus on those who specialise in traffic laws and regulations. Check their reputation in the industry and what others say about their experiences with them. Trust only the well-qualified individuals because they will be more versed with all the legal nuances. You can meet three to four of them before deciding on any particular agency. Your conversations with them will help you choose better. Someone who addresses all your concerns and gives legitimate suggestions can be more reliable. They should be able to show you the possible consequences.
