7 Steps to Contest Your Fine How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Sydney

In New South Wales, receiving a speeding ticket can be a stressful experience, both financially and for your driving record. Speeding tickets in Sydney often come with fines, demerit points, and the risk of license disqualification. At National Traffic Lawyers, we specialize in helping drivers fight speeding tickets. Whether it’s challenging the evidence, providing a defence, or navigating the court process, we can help you improve your chances of successfully contesting a speeding fine.

For any assistance or legal advice, contact us at m. 0431969696, e. hello@nationaltrafficlawyers.com, or visit our website, nationaltrafficlawyers.com.au.

Contents

1. Understanding Speeding Fines in NSW
2. 7 Steps to Contest a Speeding Fine
3. Preparing Your Defence
4. How to File an Appeal
5. The Court Process
6. After the Appeal: What’s Next?
7. Important Deadlines and Extensions
8. Key Takeaways
9. Contact National Traffic Lawyers

Understanding Speeding Fines in NSW

Speeding offences in NSW are categorized based on the severity of the speed limit breach. Different categories of speeding fines in Sydney can lead to significant penalties, ranging from minor fines and demerit points to serious license disqualifications.

Common speeding fines include:

• Exceeding the limit by 10 km/h or less: $128 fine, 1 demerit point
• Exceeding the limit by 11-20 km/h: $285 fine, 3 demerit points
• Exceeding the limit by 21-30 km/h: $489 fine, 4 demerit points
• Exceeding the limit by 31-45 km/h: $935 fine, 5 demerit points, immediate three-month suspension
• Over 45 km/h: $2,482 fine, 6 demerit points, immediate six-month suspension

For more information about speed camera fines and penalties for speeding in Sydney, visit our other pages.

7 Steps to Contest a Speeding Fine

1. Review the Fine Notice: Carefully check for errors in the details, such as the date, location, and speed recorded.
2. Evaluate Your Options: Decide whether to pay the fine, request a review, or contest it in court.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect documents, photos, and records that support your case.
4. Seek Legal Advice: Consult a lawyer specializing in traffic law to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
5. Submit Your Appeal: File your application either online, by mail, or in person within 28 days of the fine notice.
6. Attend Court: If the case goes to court, prepare to present your evidence and argue your case.
7. Understand the Possible Outcomes: The court may dismiss the fine, reduce penalties, or impose stricter sanctions.

Preparing Your Defence

Proper preparation is essential when you decide to fight a speeding ticket in Sydney. Here are some steps to help build your defence:

1. Review the evidence: Obtain copies of any photos, radar readings, or footage.
2. Gather documents: Secure evidence like maintenance records if vehicle defects contributed to the fine.
3. Seek legal advice: Consult with a traffic lawyer to better understand your chances of successfully contesting the fine.

How to File an Appeal

You can fight a speeding ticket by filing a request with Revenue NSW or applying to have the matter heard in court. Here’s how:

1. Online application: Submit your request through Revenue NSW’s ‘myPenalty’ system.
2. Mail or in-person application: Complete a ‘Request to Have a Penalty Decided in Court – Individual’ form, sending it to Revenue NSW. Make copies of your application and supporting documents for your records.
3. Written request: Mail a letter detailing your circumstances, including your penalty notice number and personal details.

The Court Process

If your appeal proceeds to court, a magistrate will review your case. Here’s how it works:

1. Mention hearing: This initial hearing determines whether you plead guilty or not guilty. You can submit a ‘Written Notice of Pleading’ if you prefer not to attend.
2. Pleading guilty: You acknowledge the offence but may argue for leniency. The court may still impose fines or other penalties.
3. Pleading not guilty: If you challenge the charge and the magistrate is not convinced beyond reasonable doubt, the fine will be dismissed.

After the Appeal: What’s Next?

If your attempt to fight the speeding ticket is unsuccessful:

• Payment plans are available: For financial hardship, arrangements can be made to pay in instalments.
• Request an extension: If you need more time, apply for an extension to pay the fine.

Important Deadlines and Extensions

• Court applications: Must be submitted within 28 days from the notice date.
• Review applications: If applying through Revenue NSW, do so before the deadline specified on your notice.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the penalties for speeding in NSW: Heavy fines, demerit points, and potential disqualification are serious consequences.
• Know your options: Pay the fine, request a review, or fight the speeding ticket in court.
• Seek expert advice: Legal representation can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact National Traffic Lawyers

For tailored advice and experienced legal representation to help you fight a speeding ticket in Sydney, contact National Traffic Lawyers. Our team specializes in traffic law and can help guide you through every step of the process.

• Phone: m. 0431969696
• Email: hello@nationaltrafficlawyers.com
• Website: nationaltrafficlawyers.com.au