Following recent amendments, Queensland drivers who are subject to a Special Hardship Order can no longer accumulate any demerit points. If they do, their licence will be suspended for double their original suspension period.
A Special Hardship Order is available under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management–Driver Licensing) Regulation 2010. An application can be made by a driver whose licence has been suspended. The driver must present the court with affidavit evidence that they meet certain criteria and establishing hardship as a result of the licence suspension. If the order is granted the driver will be able to resume driving but will be subject to the conditions of the order for a period equating to the original suspension period.
Breaching the conditions of a Special Hardship Order attracts a fine of 20 penalty units and automatic disqualification for the remainder of the original suspension period, plus 3 months.
Effective from 1 July 2019, drivers who are subject to a Special Hardship Order will also be unable to accumulate any demerit points.
See the By Lawyers Traffic Law guide for more information.