Appealing a Licence Suspension in NSW – Trusted Traffic Lawyers
If you have received a license suspension notice in NSW then acting quickly is critical. Losing your license could affect your job, family life, and overall independence. Our experienced traffic lawyers at AMA Legal understand the legal pathways available and can help you appeal license suspension through the NSW Local Court.
Whether you are a provisional driver, a learner, or fully licensed, a suspension does not always have to be final. You may be eligible to lodge an appeal depending on the type of licence suspension however, strict timeframes apply.
Who Can Lodge a Licence Suspension Appeal in NSW?
You may be able to appeal a licence suspension in NSW if your licence was suspended for:
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h or 45 km/h
Driving with a low, novice, or special-range prescribed concentration of alcohol
Driving with an illicit drug present in your system
Receiving an immediate police-issued suspension notice
Accumulating excessive demerit points as a provisional or learner driver
Our experienced traffic lawyers can advise whether you’re eligible to appeal a licence suspension in NSW and guide you through the court process.
How to Appeal a Licence Suspension in NSW
To appeal a licence suspension in NSW, you must act promptly and file your application at the NSW Local Court Registry.
NSW Police: If you receive an immediate police suspension, you must appeal the licence suspension within 28 days. Your driver’s licence remains suspended until the matter is heard in court.
Transport for NSW: You must lodge your appeal at least one day before the suspension begins.
What Happens at a Licence Suspension Appeal Hearing?
At a Transport for NSW licence suspension appeal hearing, the Local Court may:
Set aside the licence suspension
Vary the suspension period
Dismiss the appeal
Make another order it deems appropriate in the circumstances
When deciding the outcome of your licence suspension appeal, the Court will consider:
Public and road safety
Your driving and criminal record
Whether you rely on your licence for employment or family responsibilities
Any other relevant personal circumstances
Immediate Licence Suspension Appeals: Exceptional Circumstances Required
If you’ve received an immediate licence suspension from the NSW Police, the courts apply a stricter test.
Under the Road Transport Act 2013, the Court may only lift or vary an immediate suspension if exceptional circumstances exist. These appeals:
Cannot succeed based on hardship alone (e.g. needing your licence for work).
Do not allow the Court to consider the details and circumstances of the alleged offence.
Each case must demonstrate a genuinely exceptional situation, going beyond general inconvenience or the standard need to drive.
Why Choose AMA Legal?
At AMA Legal, we provide trusted legal services Sydney. With expertise in criminal defence, traffic law, and complex appeals, we offer experienced guidance through license suspension appeals.
Whether you’re seeking help with a licence suspension, a common assault NSW charge, or DV legal representation, we’re here to advocate for your rights and your future.
RELATED PAGES ⇒ High Range PCA
If your blood alcohol concentration is higher than 0.150, the charge will be High Range PCA under section 110(5) of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW). This is the most serious drink driving charge and carries significantly higher penalties than mid-range PCA offences.
Learn more about High Range PCA penalties in NSW.
RELATED PAGES ⇒ Mid Range PCA
If your blood alcohol concentration is between 0.80 – 0.149, the charge will be Mid Range PCA under section 110(4) of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW).
Learn more about Mid Range PCA penalties in NSW.
RELATED PAGES ⇒ Drive with illicit substance NSW
In NSW, it is an offence to drive with the presence of an illicit substance —such as THC, Speed, Ecstasy, or cocaine—in your system, even if you’re not impaired at the time. This offence is separate from PCA charges and is prosecuted under the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW).
Learn more about drive with illicit drug offence NSW.
Need to Appeal a Licence Suspension in NSW?
For a consultation with a Traffic Lawyer, call AMA Legal on (02) 8610 3764.
