Driving without a valid licence in Queensland is far more serious than many people realise. What may seem like a minor offence can result in heavy fines, mandatory licence disqualification, vehicle impoundment, and even imprisonment. The consequences can affect not only your ability to drive, but also your livelihood and future opportunities.
What is Unlicensed Driving:
You can be charged with unlicensed driving if you are caught:
- Driving after your licence has expired or been suspended.
- Driving while disqualified by a court.
- Driving when you have never held a licence.
- Driving without a court-ordered alcohol interlock.
Penalties for Unlicensed Driving:
- General unlicensed driving: fines and up to 12 months’ imprisonment.
- Driving while suspended: mandatory licence disqualification, fines, and up to 18 months’ imprisonment.
- Driving while disqualified by a court: mandatory licence disqualification, higher fines, and up to 18 months’ imprisonment.
Mandatory Disqualification Periods:
Queensland law requires the court to impose mandatory disqualification if you are found guilty of certain unlicensed driving offences. The length of disqualification depends on your circumstances:
- Never held a licence, up to 6 months.
- Suspended due to SPER (State Penalties Enforcement Registry) mandatory 1 to 6 months.
- Suspended due to demerit points or high-speed suspension, mandatory 6 months.
- Disqualified by a court, mandatory 2 to 5 years. In some cases, absolute disqualification may apply. Repeat offences add on consecutively (e.g. two disqualified driving charges can equal four years’ disqualification). With strong legal representation, you may apply to have your licence reinstated after two years.
Driving Without an Interlock:
If you are required to have an alcohol interlock and are caught driving without one, penalties are strict:
- First offence: fine up to 28 penalty units (approx. $3,859.80) and at least 3 months’ disqualification.
- Subsequent offences (within 5 years): fine up to 60 penalty units (approx. $8,271) and at least 6 months’ disqualification.
- The offence also attracts new court proceedings, possible vehicle impoundment, and extended disqualification periods.
Long-term, if you opt out of the interlock program entirely, you cannot have your licence reinstated without the interlock condition for five years after your disqualification ends.
Why Legal Help is Essential
The courts treat unlicensed driving harshly, particularly when mandatory disqualification applies. Without proper legal guidance, you risk unnecessary extra penalties or longer periods off the road.
At Christopher Hannay Legal Solutions, we represent clients across Queensland including the Gold Coast, Beaudesert, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and all regional areas. Our experienced criminal lawyers have successfully defended complex drug matters at every level, and we are committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
📞 0414 478 551 (24/7 Emergency)
📧 goldcoast@chlegalsolutions.com.au
Local Offices
📍 Southport: 13 Hicks Street, Southport QLD 4215 | 07 5666 5665
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We serve clients across the Gold Coast, Southport, Beaudesert and throughout Queensland. Contact us today.