Boorman Lawyers Gold Coast DUI Lawyers
Comprehensive Traffic Law Defense

Traffic offenses can result in significant fines, licence disqualification, and criminal convictions. Our experienced legal team provides expert defense for all types of traffic violations across the Gold Coast.

Common Traffic Offenses We Handle

Our legal team has extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of traffic offenses. Each type of violation carries different penalties and requires specific defense strategies.

Speeding Offenses
  • • Low-level speeding (1-20 km/h over)
  • • Moderate speeding (21-30 km/h over)
  • • High-level speeding (31+ km/h over)
  • • Excessive speeding (40+ km/h over)
  • • Speed camera disputes
Dangerous Driving
  • • Dangerous driving causing death
  • • Dangerous driving causing bodily harm
  • • Dangerous operation of vehicle
  • • Racing and speed trials
  • • Evading police
Careless Driving
  • • Driving without due care
  • • Inattentive driving
  • • Following too closely
  • • Improper lane changes
  • • Failure to give way
Licensing Violations
  • • Driving without a licence
  • • Learner driver violations
  • • Provisional licence breaches
  • • Expired licence driving
  • • Wrong class of licence

Speeding Offense Penalties

Speeding penalties vary significantly based on how much you exceed the speed limit and your driving history.

Speed Over Limit Fine Range Demerit Points Licence Suspension Risk
1-10 km/h $189 - $378 1 point Low
11-20 km/h $378 - $567 3 points Moderate
21-30 km/h $567 - $756 4 points Moderate
31-40 km/h $756 - $1,134 6 points High
40+ km/h $1,134+ 8+ points Very High

Dangerous Driving Charges

Dangerous driving is one of the most serious traffic offenses, carrying severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences.

Dangerous Driving Causing Death
  • Maximum Penalty: 10 years imprisonment
  • Minimum Disqualification: 2 years
  • Maximum Disqualification: 5 years
  • Additional: Victim impact considerations
Dangerous Driving Causing Harm
  • Maximum Penalty: 5 years imprisonment
  • Minimum Disqualification: 6 months
  • Maximum Disqualification: 2 years
  • Additional: Compensation orders possible

Defense Strategies

Effective defense of traffic charges requires detailed analysis of the evidence and circumstances surrounding each case.

Circumstantial Defenses
  • Emergency situations
  • Medical emergencies
  • Avoiding greater harm
  • Mechanical defects
  • Road signage issues
  • Sudden traffic changes

Camera and Detection Challenges

Many traffic offenses rely on automated detection systems, which can be challenged on technical and procedural grounds.

Common Detection Issues

Speed Cameras:

  • Calibration and testing records
  • Operator training requirements
  • Weather impact on accuracy
  • Multiple vehicle scenarios

Red Light Cameras:

  • Timing accuracy verification
  • Yellow light duration compliance
  • Clear image requirements
  • System maintenance records

Demerit Points and Licence Suspension

Understanding the demerit point system is crucial for protecting your driving privileges.

Demerit Point Thresholds

Open Licence Holders:

  • 12+ points in 3 years = 3 month suspension
  • 20+ points in 3 years = 4 month suspension
  • 28+ points in 3 years = 5 month suspension

Provisional Licence Holders:

  • 4+ points = 3 month suspension
  • 8+ points = 6 month suspension
  • 12+ points = 12 month suspension

Court Process for Traffic Offenses

1
Notice to Appear

Receive court notice for serious offenses or elect to contest minor violations.

2
Legal Consultation

Assess the strength of the case and develop appropriate defense strategy.

3
Evidence Review

Obtain and analyze all prosecution evidence including camera footage and calibration records.

4
Court Representation

Professional advocacy in court to achieve the best possible outcome.

Special Circumstances and Mitigation

Mitigating Factors
  • Clean driving record
  • Emergency circumstances
  • Employment impact
  • Family responsibilities
  • Medical conditions
  • Early guilty plea
Aggravating Factors
  • Poor driving history
  • High speed/dangerous manner
  • Risk to other road users
  • Accident involvement
  • Ignoring police directions
  • Multiple concurrent offenses

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the circumstances of your case, the penalties involved, and the strength of potential defenses. For high-speed offenses or cases involving licence suspension risk, professional legal advice is recommended. We offer free consultations to assess the merits of your case.

Yes, speed camera evidence can be challenged on various technical grounds including calibration issues, operator training, environmental factors, and identification problems. Success depends on obtaining and analyzing the prosecution evidence properly.

Accumulating too many demerit points results in automatic licence suspension. Open licence holders face suspension at 12+ points, while provisional drivers lose their licence at just 4 points. The suspension period increases with more points accumulated.

Work licences may be available for some traffic offenses, depending on the specific violation and your circumstances. Serious offenses like dangerous driving typically exclude work licence eligibility, but each case is assessed individually.