What's happening?
NSW licence holders who accumulate too many demerit points within a set period can have their licence suspended by Transport for NSW. Eligible drivers are sometimes given the option of a good behaviour period instead of an immediate suspension, during which committing a further offence can trigger a longer suspension than would otherwise have applied.
Demerit point suspensions are generally administrative rather than the result of a court appearance, but the impact on daily life, including work and family responsibilities, can still be significant. Understanding whether a good behaviour licence was elected, and what conditions apply, is important to avoiding an unexpected further suspension.
What could it mean for me?
- A demerit point suspension can take effect without requiring a separate court process.
- Electing a good behaviour period means any further offence during that time can lead to a longer suspension.
- Driving during a demerit point suspension can result in a further, more serious charge.
- Provisional and learner licence holders are generally subject to a lower demerit point threshold than full licence holders.
- A pattern of demerit point suspensions can affect how future traffic matters are viewed.
What are my options?
- Checking whether you were eligible to elect a good behaviour period and whether this was correctly applied.
- Seeking an appeal or review where you believe the suspension was incorrectly issued.
- Complying with the suspension period and adjusting travel arrangements accordingly.
- Reviewing your driving record for accuracy, including whether all offences were correctly recorded against you.
- Getting advice before your next offence if you are currently on a good behaviour period.
What happens next?
- Check your Transport for NSW notice to confirm the suspension period and whether a good behaviour option was offered.
- Contact a lawyer if you believe the suspension or the points recorded against you may be incorrect.
- Avoid driving during any suspension period, even for short trips.
- If on a good behaviour period, take extra care to avoid any further offences.
- Keep records of your licence history and any correspondence from Transport for NSW.
How can MGE Lawyers help?
We help clients understand how a demerit point suspension has arisen, including whether a good behaviour period applies and what the consequences of a further offence would be. We review your driving history and the suspension notice to check the details are correct.
Where there is a genuine basis to challenge a suspension, or where related traffic charges are also before the court, we advise on the most appropriate way forward and help you understand the practical steps available.