Traffic & Driving Offences

Have you been charged with a traffic-related offense? Traffic and driving offences in Australia are not taken lightly. While traffic and driving offences may seem minor, they are often a precursor to more serious traffic offences and can lead to a criminal record. Our Canberra criminal lawyers can defend you against any traffic and driving charges so that you can avoid harsh penalties and maintain a clean record.

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General information only — not legal advice. Penalties and section numbers change; speak with us about your specific circumstances. Call (02) 6210 1075.

Traffic and driving offences in the ACT range from infringement-level matters dealt with by Access Canberra, to serious criminal driving charges that attract imprisonment. Andrew Byrnes Law Group represents drivers in the ACT Magistrates Court at Knowles Place across the full spectrum of driving matters. Deliberately Different.

Traffic offences under ACT law

The principal statutes are:

Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977 (ACT) — drink driving, drug driving, refusal to provide samples
Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 (ACT) — dangerous and negligent driving, speeding offences
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Act 1999 (ACT) — licence offences, driving while suspended or disqualified
Road Transport (General) Act 1999 (ACT) — general administrative and demerit point framework
Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) — culpable driving causing death or grievous bodily harm

Common driving charges in the ACT

Drink driving (PCA and DUI)
Drug driving
Dangerous and reckless driving
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Negligent driving (with and without injury)
Culpable driving causing death or grievous bodily harm — Crimes Act 1900 (ACT)
Refusal to provide a breath, oral fluid or blood sample

Charged with a driving offence in Canberra? Call (02) 6210 1075 before pleading.

Mandatory disqualifications and licence consequences

Many ACT driving offences carry mandatory minimum disqualification periods. The court has discretion within statutory limits but cannot go below the minimum. Where a section 17 non-conviction order is made under the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT), the disqualification position can change. ABLG prepares pleas focused on minimising disqualification for trade workers, parents, shift workers and small business owners.

Saving your licence and record

Section 17 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT) gives the court the discretion to deal with a matter without recording a conviction. Combined with a careful plea in mitigation, character references and rehabilitation evidence, a section 17 outcome can preserve your driver's licence position and avoid a criminal record on a National Police Certificate.

Related criminal defence services

Important — not legal advice

This page provides general information about ACT criminal law. It is not legal advice and must not be relied on as such. Laws, penalties, and section numbers change, and how the law applies depends on your specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your situation, contact Andrew Byrnes Law Group on (02) 6210 1075 or via our contact page.

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