Receiving a speeding ticket in Sydney, NSW, can be a frustrating experience, with consequences ranging from fines and demerit points to licence suspension. However, you may have options to challenge the ticket and protect your driving record. At Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, we specialize in traffic law and criminal defence, helping clients across Sydney navigate speeding fines and traffic offences.
This comprehensive guide provides expert tips on how to fight a speeding ticket in Sydney, outlines your legal rights, and explains the process under the most current NSW laws as of June 2025. For personalized legal advice, contact us at info@nslaw.net.au, call 0427 101 499 or 02 9793 7016, or visit www.nslaw.net.au.
Understanding Speeding Tickets in NSW
In New South Wales, speeding offences are governed by the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) and enforced by NSW Police or speed cameras under the Road Rules 2014 (NSW) (Rule 20). A speeding ticket, formally called a Penalty Notice, is issued when you exceed the speed limit, detected via radar, laser, or fixed/mobile cameras. Penalties depend on the speed, vehicle type, and location (e.g., school zones):
- Light Vehicles (Cars):
- Up to 10 km/h over: $136 fine, 1 demerit point.
- 10–20 km/h over: $319 fine, 3 demerit points.
- 20–30 km/h over: $639 fine, 4 demerit points.
- 30–45 km/h over: $1,054 fine, 5 demerit points.
- Over 45 km/h: $2,921 fine, 6 demerit points, minimum 6-month licence suspension.
- School Zones: Fines and points double (e.g., 10–20 km/h over: $425 fine, 4 points).
- Heavy Vehicles or Learner/Provisional Drivers: Higher penalties and stricter limits (e.g., zero tolerance for speeding over 45 km/h).
Consequences:
- Demerit Points: Accumulating 13 points (full licence) or 7 points (P-plater) within 3 years triggers a suspension under Section 33 of the Road Transport Act 2013.
- Licence Suspension: Automatic for speeds over 30 km/h or repeat offences.
- Insurance Premiums: Increased costs or coverage issues.
- Employment Risks: Especially for jobs requiring a clean driving record.
Fighting a speeding ticket can prevent these outcomes, and a Sydney traffic lawyer can help you explore your options.
Your Rights When Issued a Speeding Ticket
Under NSW law, you have rights when receiving a speeding ticket:
- Right to Review: You can request a review of the penalty notice by Revenue NSW within 28 days, citing errors or exceptional circumstances.
- Right to Court Election: You can elect to have the matter heard in a Local Court (e.g., Downing Centre, Parramatta, or Burwood) instead of paying the fine, allowing you to challenge the ticket.
- Right to Evidence: If you elect court, you’re entitled to prosecution evidence, such as speed camera images or calibration records.
- Right to Legal Representation: You can engage a lawyer to defend you, ensuring compliance with the Road Transport Act 2013 and Evidence Act 1995 (NSW).
What to Do: Review the penalty notice carefully for errors (e.g., incorrect date, vehicle details) and contact a Sydney traffic lawyer to assess your case. At Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers, we offer free initial consultations to explore your defence options. Call 0427 101 499.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO FIGHTING A SPEEDING TICKET
Step 1: Review the Penalty Notice
Examine the ticket for inaccuracies, as errors can lead to dismissal:
- Details: Check the date, time, location, vehicle registration, and speed recorded.
- Officer/Camera Information: Ensure the issuing officer’s details or camera certification are included.
- Speed Limit: Verify the alleged speed against the posted limit (e.g., road signs, school zone times).
What to Do: Note any discrepancies and discuss them with your lawyer. Errors may support a defence or review request.
Step 2: Request a Review by Revenue NSW
Within 28 days of receiving the ticket, you can request a review online or by mail through Revenue NSW. Grounds include:
- Incorrect Details: Errors in the notice (e.g., wrong vehicle).
- Exceptional Circumstances: Medical emergencies or mechanical issues (e.g., faulty speedometer).
- Mistaken Identity: You weren’t driving
- Leniency: First-time offence or good driving record, potentially reducing the penalty to a caution.
Outcomes:
- Caution: No fine or points, but recorded for future reference.
- Reduced Penalty: Lower fine or fewer points.
- Upheld: You must pay the fine or elect court.
What to Do: Submit supporting evidence (e.g., medical records, repair receipts) with your review. Our Sydney traffic lawyers at Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers can draft your review request.
Step 3: Elect to Go to Court
If the review is unsuccessful or you believe the ticket is unjust, elect to have the matter heard in a Local Court within 28 days. This involves:
- Submitting an Election: Via Revenue NSW’s online portal or by mail, transferring the case to court.
- Court Attendance Notice (CAN): You’ll receive a CAN specifying the court date and location.
- Preparation: Gather evidence, such as witness statements, GPS data, or speedometer calibration records.
Why Go to Court?:
- Challenge prosecution evidence (e.g., camera accuracy).
- Seek a Section 10 dismissal under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, avoiding fines, points, or a conviction.
- Argue for leniency based on your circumstances.
What to Do: Engage Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers at info@nslaw.net.au to prepare your court defence. We analyze evidence and build robust strategies for Sydney Local Courts.
Step 4: Explore Defences for Speeding Tickets
Several defences may apply to fight a speeding ticket:
- Factual Disputes:
- You weren’t speeding (e.g., GPS data contradicts radar).
- The speed limit was incorrect (e.g., signage obscured or missing).
- Technical Errors:
- Faulty equipment (e.g., uncalibrated radar or camera, required under Section 137 of the Road Transport Act 2013).
- Procedural issues (e.g., officer failed to show radar reading at the time of the stop).
- Mistaken Identity:
- You weren’t the driver (e.g., someone else used your vehicle, supported by a statutory declaration).
- Necessity or Emergency:
- Speeding was necessary to avoid harm (e.g., rushing to a hospital), though this requires strong evidence.
- Honest and Reasonable Mistake:
- You genuinely believed you were within the limit (e.g., due to unclear signage), though this is rarely successful without corroboration.
What to Do: Discuss defences with your Sydney traffic lawyer. At Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers, we scrutinize prosecution evidence, such as camera calibration certificates, to identify weaknesses. Call 02 9793 7016.
Step 5: Prepare for Court
If you elect court, preparation is key:
- Gather Evidence:
- Photos of the location (e.g., obscured signs).
- Witness statements or dashcam footage.
- Expert reports (e.g., speedometer calibration or traffic engineering analysis).
- Character References: Letters from employers or community members to support a Section 10 dismissal.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Completing the Traffic Offender Intervention Program (TOIP) demonstrates remorse and may influence the magistrate.
- Plea Strategy:
- Plead Guilty: Seek leniency or a Section 10, avoiding points and fines.
- Plead Not Guilty: Challenge the prosecution’s case in a defended hearing.
Court Process:
- Mention: Your first appearance to confirm your plea and set a hearing date.
- Defended Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence (e.g., officer testimony, camera images), and your lawyer cross-examines witnesses or disputes accuracy. The magistrate decides guilt based on proof beyond reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing (if Guilty): Penalties are imposed, or a Section 10 may be granted.
What to Do: Work with Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers to build a compelling case. Our Sydney criminal defence team has secured dismissals and reduced penalties in traffic matters across NSW.
Step 6: Understand Possible Outcomes
Court outcomes vary:
- Not Guilty: No fines, points, or record. Your driving record remains clean.
- Section 10 Dismissal/CRO Without Conviction: No penalty or a good behaviour bond, avoiding demerit points and a conviction.
- Guilty with Penalty: Fines, points, or suspension, though your lawyer can argue for leniency.
- Appeal: If convicted, you can appeal to the District Court within 28 days under the Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001, citing errors or excessive penalties.
What to Do: Discuss outcomes with your lawyer to plan next steps, such as appealing a conviction or complying with a CRO. Contact us at info@nslaw.net.au.
Penalties for Speeding in NSW
Understanding penalties underscores the importance of fighting a ticket:
- Fines: $136–$2,921, doubling in school zones.
- Demerit Points: 1–6 points, with double points in school zones or public holidays.
- Licence Suspension:
- Automatic for speeds over 30 km/h (3 months) or over 45 km/h (6 months).
- Demerit point accumulation (13 points for full licence holders).
- Criminal Record: For serious offences (e.g., speeding over 45 km/h), a conviction may be recorded, affecting employment or travel.
- Insurance: Increased premiums or coverage denials.
Mitigation: A Sydney traffic lawyer can seek a Section 10 dismissal, eliminating fines, points, and convictions. At Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers, we’ve achieved non-conviction outcomes for clients across Sydney.
Why Hire a Traffic Lawyer?
Fighting a speeding ticket without legal expertise is risky, as procedural errors or weak defences can lead to penalties. A Sydney traffic lawyer:
- Identifies technical defences (e.g., uncalibrated cameras).
- Negotiates with Revenue NSW or prosecutors for cautions or reduced charges.
- Prepares compelling court submissions, leveraging NSW laws like the Road Transport Act 2013.
- Reduces stress by managing legal logistics.
Our team at Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers has a proven track record of dismissing speeding tickets and protecting clients’ driving records.
Practical Tips to Fight a Speeding Ticket
- Act Quickly: Request a review or elect court within 28 days to avoid automatic penalties.
- Document the Incident: Note the time, weather, traffic conditions, and signage. Take photos if possible.
- Nominate Another Driver: If you were NOT driving, submit a statutory declaration promptly identifying the driver responsible for the offence
- Complete TOIP: Enrol in the Traffic Offender Intervention Program to show remorse, especially if pleading guilty.
- Engage a Lawyer Early: Contact Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers at 0427 101 499 for a free consultation to assess your case.
Long-Term Impacts of a Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket can affect:
- Driving Record: Points and suspensions disrupt work and personal life.
- Employment: Jobs requiring a clean licence (e.g., delivery drivers) may be at risk.
- Insurance: Higher premiums or coverage issues.
- Future Offences: A history of tickets increases penalties for subsequent violations.
By fighting the ticket, you can avoid these consequences and maintain a clean record.
Why Choose Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers?
When fighting a speeding ticket in Sydney, Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers is your trusted partner:
- Specialized Expertise: Exclusive focus on criminal and traffic law, with deep knowledge of NSW’s Road Transport Act 2013 and Sydney court practices.
- Proven Results: Secured Section 10 dismissals, cautions, and not guilty verdicts for speeding and traffic offences across NSW.
- Client-Centric Approach: 24/7 support, transparent fixed fees, and compassionate guidance to ease your concerns.
- Local Advantage: Sydney-based, navigating Local Courts like Downing Centre and Parramatta with precision.
Visit www.nslaw.net.au to learn how we’ve helped clients protect their driving records.
Take Action Today
A speeding ticket in Sydney, NSW, doesn’t have to derail your life. With the right strategy, you can fight the ticket, avoid penalties, and safeguard your driving record. At Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers, we’re committed to delivering exceptional legal representation, guiding you through reviews, court hearings, or appeals with expertise and care.
Contact Us Now:
- Email: info@nslaw.net.au
- Phone: 0427 101 499 or 02 9793 7016
- Website: www.nslaw.net.au
Book your free initial consultation to discuss your speeding ticket and explore defence options. With Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers, you’re choosing Sydney’s leading criminal defence and traffic lawyers to fight for the best outcome.
Why Choose Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers Criminal Lawyers & Traffic Lawyers YOUR Leading Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers to represent you in your Traffic Law Matter?
Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers are the leading Law firm in Traffic Law matters as our office appears at ALL Courts in NSW on a regular basis in ALL Traffic Law matters. No matter is too complex for Nicopoulos Sabbagh lawyers, your Traffic Sydney Lawyers, so be sure to book your first Free Consultation today!
GOING TO COURT?
It is very important that you speak with a lawyer so that you can get the appropriate legal advice which you require prior to going to court.
Our team of experienced solicitors are there for you and can help you answer all your questions, so be sure to contact your Sydney Lawyers, Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers.
*This article correctly reflects the Laws of NSW as of 8th June 2025.
*Please note that this page or any other pages on our website (including any other social media platforms for Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers) are not to be considered as a substitute for legal advice or even other professional advice. It should also be noted that accessing of this information from this website does not create a client-lawyer relationship.