Not very long ago, people lived near their place of employment. Many workers could walk to work, cycle a few streets or catch a bus. Today, it is a lot different as innovation has led to the creation of many service jobs and technology based enterprises which involve long travel times.
There were 18.4 million registered motor vehicles in Australia as at 31 January 2016. Most people strive to get a driving licence at the first opportunity because Australians need to travel for recreation and as a part of employment.
The proof of that, is the number of jobs advertised on Seek.com.au specifying that applicants need a licence. Not only that, many employers add the requirement that applicant's will only be considered if they have a 'clean' driving licence. Human resource managers look for applicants who they know will respectfully represent the business when driving a company vehicle or truck. Motor vehicle insurance businesses ask a lot more questions these days and if a vehicle will be driven by a person with a lot of speeding fines, the premium will be much higher than for a law abiding motorist.
A licence is more than a permission to drive; it is a ticket to a job or to continue with a job. It is also an essential requirement for anyone who wants to avoid using crowded public transport to get to leisure and business locations.
Few of us set out to break the law. Those that do, are often criminals using a car as a tool in their criminal enterprise. Most of us make mistakes or an error when driving. Usually, they are minor issues and do not come to the attention of the police unless there is a collision whereby property is damaged or people are injured. Many people are fined as a result of distraction like noisy children in the back seat who can lead to the commission of traffic offences. Many motorists have been caught out by changes in speed zones or the erection of new stop signs.
Breaking the road laws can have serious consequences. The results are not just a monetary fine, they can include demerit points which can lead to a licence suspension or their could be a cancellation with a long disqualification period. Losing a licence to drive a motor cycle, a car or a commercial vehicle can be life changing.
It is never a good idea to not pay a traffic fine as governments in all parts of Australia have the power to suspend a licence until a basic parking ticket is paid.
Anyone who is charged with a traffic offence should contact a lawyer. Those in the Sydney in the State with the most drivers, could contact prime for speeding fines in NSW
Legal practitioners who know the law and consequences of a conviction, can make a big difference to what a Magistrate thinks and orders when deciding on a penalty.
A person without representation might not think to ask for time to pay a fine, to receive a non conviction fine, or a good behaviour bond in lieu of licence cancellation and a period of disqualification.
A good road traffic matter specialist solicitor will advise their clients who are convicted on how to make an application for a work driving only licence.
Take the time to get legal advice, consult with a lawyer and get help to make informed decisions about what to do if you commit or are faced with a speeding fine. Keeping your licence can easily equate to keeping your job.
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