Habitual Offenders Scheme
Offenders who commit three major or serious offences in a 5 year period can be classed as Habitual Offenders by the court or the RTA, and liable to a further disqualification period of 5 years.
The five year disqualification period commences after any other disqualification period has expired. Courts have the power to impose longer periods of disqualification than 5 years, including life.
Serious offences or major offences include
- Drink and drug driving related offences,
- Drive while suspended or disqualified or refused,
- Driving in a manner dangerous or furious,
- Reckless driving,
- Excessive speeding of more than 45km per hour, and
- Other offences.
In such situations it is important for a solicitor to examine an offender's driving record and determine whether the offender is at risk of being classified as a Habitual Offender. If the offender is at risk, then a solicitor can make a special application to the court to have the determination quashed by the court.
