Driving offences | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

You must drive within all of the conditions listed on your driver licence, and drive according to New Zealand's traffic laws.

If you don't you could incur penalties such as fines and demerit points. You could even have your licence suspended, or be disqualified from driving.

28-day roadside suspension

Roadside licence suspension is an instant and severe penalty for driving in a way that puts the lives of other road users at risk.

Find out when your licence can be suspended, the impact on your eligibility to drive and what you need to do when the suspension has ended.

Roadside vehicle impoundment

If you're caught committing certain driving offences, the vehicle you're driving can be impounded by the police.

This page explains when your vehicle can be impounded, what happens at the roadside and the actions you need to take to get it back.

Indefinite disqualifications

If you are convicted by the courts for repeat driving offences involving drugs or alcohol, you will be indefinitely disqualified.

Driver licence stop order (DLSO)

If you have outstanding traffic related fines or reparation, the Ministry of Justice may impose a driver licence stop order and suspend your driver licence.

Limited licence

If your suspension or disqualification will cause you extreme hardship, or another person undue hardship, you might be able to get a limited licence.

Speeding

If you are caught speeding, you could end up with a fine and demerit points.

Driving without a licence

If you drive without a current and valid driver licence, you risk fines, suspensions, and having your vehicle impounded.

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