Licence Appeals – Traffic Lawyers Sydney

If your driver licence has been suspended by Service NSW, you may be able to appeal the decision in the Local Court. Whether you’re hoping to regain your licence or reduce the suspension period, this legal process is known as a Licence Appeal.

At Criminal Lawyers Group, our experienced traffic lawyers specialise in licence suspension appeals. With a proven track record of successful outcomes, we provide honest legal advice and fight hard to protect your driving future.

📞 Call us now on (02) 8815 8177 to speak with one of our traffic law specialists.

What is a Driver Licence Appeal?

A Driver Licence Appeal is a formal application to the Local Court requesting a review—and potential reversal—of a decision made by:

• RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) / SERVICE NSW

These decisions often relate to suspensions for speeding offences, demerit point accumulation, or serious traffic violations.

⚠️ You typically only have one opportunity to appeal, so getting expert legal representation is crucial.

What Licence Suspension Decisions Can Be Appealed?

You may be eligible to appeal in cases such as:

➤ RMS Suspensions

• Speeding by more than 30 km/h or 45 km/h
• Suspension of a Provisional Licence (Red or Green P Plates) due to demerit points

➤ Police Suspensions

• Drink driving (mid or high range)
• DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Street racing or aggravated burnout
• Speeding by more than 45 km/h
• Driving offences causing death or grievous bodily harm
  (only in exceptional circumstances)

➤ Appealing While Pleading Guilty or Not Guilty

• Full licence holders pleading not guilty
• Those pleading guilty but seeking a Section 10 dismissal or Conditional Release Order

What Licence Suspension Decisions Cannot Be Appealed?

Some decisions cannot be appealed in court, including:

• Suspension of a full licence due to demerit point accumulation
• Suspension of an interlock driver licence
• Suspension due to breach of good behaviour licence conditions

What happens after the Appeal is filed?

After you file your licence appeal, you will receive correspondence outlining the date, time and location of where your licence appeal will be held. You will need to appear in person on the date provided at the specified Local Court.

What orders can the Magistrate make when deciding the Appeal?

Magistrates have three main options when deciding your licence appeal. These are:

1. Upholding your appeal – meaning you will keep your licence and will not be suspended from driving. However, this also means you will keep the accrued demerit points.

2. Dismiss the appeal, but vary your suspension – this will result in your suspension period of 12 weeks being reduced to a period of time specified by the Magistrate, i.e., suspending you from driving for a period of six (6) weeks, as opposed to the 12 week automatic period.

3. Dismiss the appeal completely – your appeal is dismissed, and you will serve the full 12 weeks off the road.

Materials That Can Support Your Appeal

The following documents can significantly strengthen your appeal:

• Character references, especially those explaining your need for a licence
• A letter of apology, accepting responsibility and showing insight
• Employment documents (e.g. contracts or letters from employers)
• Medical or family documents showing personal obligations
• Traffic offender program certificate, showing commitment to improvement

Your lawyer will help you prepare and present these materials effectively.

Why Choose Criminal Lawyers Group?

At Criminal Lawyers Group, we combine experience, honesty, and a results-driven approach to give you the strongest possible defence. We understand how important your licence is—and we’re here to help you protect it.

✅ Experienced traffic lawyers
✅ Transparent advice
✅ Proven court results
✅ Fixed-fee options available

Book Your Consultation Today

📞 Call us on (02) 8815 8177
🌐 Or visit www.criminallawyersgroup.com.au to book a confidential consultation with a traffic law expert.