Speeding offences in NSW carry severe penalties, ranging from fines and demerit points to immediate licence suspensions. Whether you receive a fine from a speed camera, highway patrol, or mobile radar, exceeding the speed limit—especially at high levels—can put your driving privileges at serious risk.
If you’ve been caught speeding and are concerned about losing your licence, this guide explains when suspensions apply, how demerit points accumulate, and what legal options are available to appeal a suspension.
NSW enforces strict speeding laws, and demerit points are assigned based on how much a driver exceeds the posted speed limit.
| Speed Over the Limit | Fine (General Roads) | Fine (School Zones) | Demerit Points | Licence Suspension |
| Up to 10km/h | $130 | $212 | 1 | No |
| 10–20km/h | $304 | $472 | 3 | No |
| 20–30km/h | $608 | $944 | 4 | No |
| 30–45km/h | $1,045 | $1,566 | 5 | 3 months |
| Over 45km/h | $2,530 | $2,530 | 6 | 6 months |
Key Insight: Exceeding the speed limit by 30km/h or more can result in an automatic suspension, even for first-time offenders.
Demerit points remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the offence. If you accumulate more than the allowed threshold, you may face automatic suspension or other penalties.
| Licence Type | Maximum Demerit Points Allowed |
| Learner Licence | 4 points |
| Provisional P1 Licence | 4 points |
| Provisional P2 Licence | 7 points |
| Unrestricted (Full) Licence | 13 points |
| Professional Drivers (e.g., Taxi, Uber, Bus Drivers) | 14 points |
| Good Behaviour Licence (12-month period) | 2 points |
Best Practice: If you’re close to exceeding your demerit point limit, drive cautiously, especially during double-demerit periods (such as public holidays).
There are two main ways drivers in NSW can lose their licence for speeding offences:
Police can immediately suspend your licence on the spot if you:
The suspension applies before the fine is even processed, meaning you cannot legally drive until the period expires or an appeal is successful.
If you accumulate more than the allowed demerit points within three years, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will send you a Notice of Suspension.
The suspension period varies depending on how many points you’ve accumulated:
Key Tip: If you receive a Notice of Suspension, you may have legal options to appeal or reduce the suspension period.
If you are at risk of losing your licence, you may be able to challenge the suspension or reduce its impact. Here’s what you can do:
You can appeal an immediate suspension by applying to the Local Court. ✔ A magistrate will consider factors such as:
If you have not yet started serving a demerit point suspension, you can apply for a 12-month good behaviour licence.
This allows you to keep driving under strict conditions:
If you believe your fine or demerit points were unfairly issued, you can apply for an internal review.
Possible grounds for review include:
Key Tip: If your livelihood depends on your licence, appealing a suspension may be worthwhile—but seek legal advice before proceeding.
Driving while suspended is a criminal offence and carries severe penalties, including:
Speeding offences in NSW can result in licence suspensions, heavy fines, and long-term driving restrictions. Understanding when suspensions apply, how demerit points accumulate, and what legal options exist is key to protecting your ability to drive.
If you are facing a licence suspension or demerit point loss, seeking legal representation early can help minimise penalties or appeal unfair charges.
At Jones Hardy Law, we specialise in licence appeals, traffic offence defence, and court representation, ensuring you get the best possible legal outcome.
For expert legal assistance, visit JonesHardyLaw.com.au and book a consultation today.
Suite 701
225 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW 2000
CALL: (02) 7257 0384
Email: [email protected]
