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Road to court
This booklet is for people who have to go to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria because they have been charged with a traffic offence. It is mainly for people who will represent themselves in court. It can also help you decide if you need a lawyer to represent you.
This booklet has information about:
- laws that apply to traffic offences
- the demerits points system
- drink, drug and hoon driving
- penalties for novice drivers
- preparing for going to court
- where to get help.
Published: June 2008
Availability: no stock, will send when available (PDF available below)
New law
Since this booklet was published there have been changes to the law. Please check the following updates.
Passenger restrictions for motorcyclists – new law
New road rules stop passengers under eight years from being carried on a motorcycle unless they sit in a side car.
Cyclists, passengers and traffic lights – new law
There are new road rules for cyclists when they stop at traffic lights in the bicycle storage area.
Driving, parking and stopping behind trams – new law
There are new road rules about driving near trams, parking and crossing single centre dividing lines
Scooters, skateboards and rollerblades – new law
There are new road rules for people who ride skateboards, rollerblades, scooters and other wheeled devices.
Seat belts and child restraints – new law
New road rules have stricter regulations for the safe restraint of children in vehicles.
New offences for cyclists – new law
New laws now apply to cyclists in Victoria. It is now possible to charge cyclists for dangerous or careless driving or for failing to stop after an accident.
Disposal & surrender of vehicles – new law
The new law allows the court to make a disposal order if a vehicle remains uncollected two months after the confiscation period has passed or if a defendant does not attend court in relation to an ‘improper use of vehicle’ or ‘hoon driving’ offence.
Speeding & hoon driving – new law
Tougher laws apply to people who speed.
Drink & drug driving – new law
Tougher laws apply to people who drink and drive or who tamper with alcohol interlock devices.
Fines for careless driving – new law
Police can now issue fines for careless driving.
P-plate driver licensing system – new law
P-plate drivers must spend longer on their P plates. A two-tier system and stricter rules now apply to P-plate drivers.
| Road to court - PDF, 772.0kb Booklet about traffic offences in the Magistrates’ Court |