What is a work licence?

Under Section 105 of the Land Transport Act. drivers are able to apply for a work licence or (Limited Licence) if they are able to provide evidence to the court that they or some other person or entity will experience undue or extreme hardship as a result of the driver losing their licence for a Suspension from Demerit Points or a Disqualification from some other offence like an EBA or (Excess Breath Alcohol) reading being over 400mcg/l.

Should a driver blow and EBA greater than 800mcg/l – they will receive an Alcohol Interlock Disqualification and more importantly - be banned for LIFE from ever being able to apply for a Limited Licence.

Demerit Check has partnered with NZ Limited Licence Ltd to provide information and access to both Demerit Point Reports through Demerit Check, and Limited Licences through NZ Limited Licence.

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NZTA Demerit Points

Demerit points are given for all speeding infringements (except those recorded by speed camera), some traffic offences and for breaching licence conditions, eg a learner driver unaccompanied by a supervisor or a restricted driver carrying unauthorised passengers. Demerit points also apply to some alcohol-related infringements and offences, for example, points can also be allocated in conjunction with a court disqualification where the court chooses to disqualify a person for less than six months.

How long do Demerits stay on your licence?

Demerit points remain active for 2 years after the offence was committed that incurred them. Once 2 years elapses the points attached to that offence go inactive (fall off) and they no longer can have a direct impact on your driver's licence.

How do I get allocated Demerits?

Demerit points are only allocated to your offence once "Liability" is determined. That is done when you pay the fine for the offence or when it is not paid and it progresses to court - and the offence is not defended by you. The points are then allocated and back dated to the date of the offence.

Drivers Licence Demerit Suspension

If you accumulate 100 or more active demerit points within any two-year period, your licence will be suspended for a period of three months and you will not be entitled to drive. The suspension period begins as soon as the demerit suspension notice is served on you by the Transport Agency, the police or an authorised agent of the Transport Agency – for example the Courier Company. Any active demerit points recorded on your licence record at the time will be cancelled and will no longer contribute to your demerit point total. At the end of your demerit suspension, you’ll be unlicensed and not entitled to drive until you’ve reinstated your licence at an office of the AA or the VTNZ.