INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC LAW | High Street Law

USEFUL INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC LAW IN NEW ZEALAND

At High Street Law, we are highly experienced in defending a wide range of traffic offences under the Land Transport Act 1998. We specialise in cases involving drink driving, drug driving, careless or dangerous driving, licence breaches, and limited licence applications. For many clients, this is their first contact with the criminal justice system—our job is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our General Process

We begin with an initial consultation—by phone or in person—where we discuss your options, legal fees, and develop a tailored strategy for your case.
Ideally, we will have reviewed the Police disclosure (the evidence) beforehand. In any case, we’ll go through it with you during your first appointment.
We’ll explain the court process clearly, what we need from you, and what you can expect.
You’ll receive honest advice on the strength of any defence, whether you’re eligible for a discharge without conviction, and the likely penalties.
If you choose to have us represent you, we can arrange a suitable court date, including a change of location or time if needed.
If you decide to plead guilty, we will prepare comprehensive sentencing submissions and manage the process to reduce stress and embarrassment.
If you’re eligible, we’ll assist with applying for a limited licence (work licence) to help you stay employed.
On the day of your court hearing, we will appear with you and advocate for the best possible result through expert, calm, and persuasive representation.

Drink Driving in New Zealand

Drink driving is considered a serious offence and penalties can range from a fine and disqualification to imprisonment. With more Police on the roads and stricter laws, the number of drink driving charges continues to rise.

We regularly represent clients charged with:

Excess breath or blood alcohol
Refusing an officer’s request for blood
Driving while incapable due to alcohol or drugs
Driving contrary to a limited licence

Whether you’re facing a first-time charge or are a repeat offender, we can help minimise the consequences and guide you through the process with confidence.

Limited (Work) Licences

If you've been disqualified or suspended from driving, we can help you apply for a limited licence, which allows you to drive for essential purposes such as work, caregiving, or medical needs.

A limited licence is not an automatic right—you must show that you or someone else will suffer extreme hardship without it. This might include:

Needing to drive for work or business
Supporting dependent children or family members
Ongoing medical treatment or care obligations

We ensure that your application is drafted to suit your actual needs—not a restricted or overly narrow version.

Limited Licence Process

Step 1: Contact us and complete a short questionnaire to provide the necessary details.

Step 2: We’ll assess your eligibility and confirm our fixed fee pricing.

Step 3: We’ll prepare all required documents—your application, affidavits, and draft court order.

Step 4: We’ll send the application to Police for review. If not opposed, it will be filed and a court date set.

Step 5: We’ll appear with you in court. The appearance is usually brief, and we’ll handle everything on your behalf.

Timeframes: A 28-day stand-down period applies from the date of disqualification (for most drink driving cases). We work with you to ensure this period causes minimal disruption to your work or family life.

Other Traffic and Driving Offences

We also represent clients facing a wide range of traffic-related criminal charges, including:

Careless or dangerous driving – especially where injury or death has occurred
Reckless driving
Driving under the influence of drugs
Driving while disqualified or suspended
Driving contrary to a limited licence
Sustained loss of traction / street racing offences
Operating a vehicle in an unauthorised street event

Each offence carries its own range of penalties—from disqualification and fines to community work or even imprisonment.

Why Legal Representation Matters

For many clients, a traffic offence is their first experience with the justice system. It can be overwhelming, and a conviction can have serious personal and professional consequences. That’s why it’s essential to get advice early.

We can:

Identify possible defences or legal issues in your case
Apply for a discharge without conviction where appropriate
Make detailed submissions on special reasons to avoid disqualification under section 81 of the Land Transport Act 1998
Provide honest advice, fixed fee options, and strong advocacy in court

Our Commitment to You

Our mission is to provide expert, efficient, and supportive representation—whether you're seeking a limited licence, defending a charge, or hoping to avoid a conviction. We aim to:

Lower your fines and penalties
Reduce or avoid disqualification
Minimise stress and uncertainty
Help you keep your job and move forward

Contact us today to discuss your case and how we can help.

USEFUL INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC LAW IN NEW ZEALAND

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Our General Process

​

We begin with an initial consultation—by phone or in person—where we discuss your options, legal fees, and develop a tailored strategy for your case.

Ideally, we will have reviewed the Police disclosure (the evidence) beforehand. In any case, we’ll go through it with you during your first appointment.

We’ll explain the court process clearly, what we need from you, and what you can expect.

You’ll receive honest advice on the strength of any defence, whether you’re eligible for a discharge without conviction, and the likely penalties.

If you choose to have us represent you, we can arrange a suitable court date, including a change of location or time if needed.

If you decide to plead guilty, we will prepare comprehensive sentencing submissions and manage the process to reduce stress and embarrassment.

If you’re eligible, we’ll assist with applying for a limited licence (work licence) to help you stay employed.

On the day of your court hearing, we will appear with you and advocate for the best possible result through expert, calm, and persuasive representation.

​

​

Drink Driving in New Zealand

​

Drink driving is considered a serious offence and penalties can range from a fine and disqualification to imprisonment. With more Police on the roads and stricter laws, the number of drink driving charges continues to rise.

​

We regularly represent clients charged with:

​

Excess breath or blood alcohol

Refusing an officer’s request for blood

Driving while incapable due to alcohol or drugs

Driving contrary to a limited licence

​

Whether you’re facing a first-time charge or are a repeat offender, we can help minimise the consequences and guide you through the process with confidence.

​

​

Limited (Work) Licences

​

If you've been disqualified or suspended from driving, we can help you apply for a limited licence, which allows you to drive for essential purposes such as work, caregiving, or medical needs.

​

A limited licence is not an automatic right—you must show that you or someone else will suffer extreme hardship without it. This might include:

​

Needing to drive for work or business

Supporting dependent children or family members

Ongoing medical treatment or care obligations

​

We ensure that your application is drafted to suit your actual needs—not a restricted or overly narrow version.

​

​

Limited Licence Process

​

Step 1: Contact us and complete a short questionnaire to provide the necessary details.

Step 2: We’ll assess your eligibility and confirm our fixed fee pricing.

Step 3: We’ll prepare all required documents—your application, affidavits, and draft court order.

Step 4: We’ll send the application to Police for review. If not opposed, it will be filed and a court date set.

Step 5: We’ll appear with you in court. The appearance is usually brief, and we’ll handle everything on your behalf.

​

Timeframes: A 28-day stand-down period applies from the date of disqualification (for most drink driving cases). We work with you to ensure this period causes minimal disruption to your work or family life.

​

​

Other Traffic and Driving Offences

​

We also represent clients facing a wide range of traffic-related criminal charges, including:

​

Careless or dangerous driving – especially where injury or death has occurred

Reckless driving

Driving under the influence of drugs

Driving while disqualified or suspended

Driving contrary to a limited licence

Sustained loss of traction / street racing offences

Operating a vehicle in an unauthorised street event

​

Each offence carries its own range of penalties—from disqualification and fines to community work or even imprisonment.

​

​

Why Legal Representation Matters

​

For many clients, a traffic offence is their first experience with the justice system. It can be overwhelming, and a conviction can have serious personal and professional consequences. That’s why it’s essential to get advice early.

We can:

​

Identify possible defences or legal issues in your case

Apply for a discharge without conviction where appropriate

Make detailed submissions on special reasons to avoid disqualification under section 81 of the Land Transport Act 1998

Provide honest advice, fixed fee options, and strong advocacy in court

Our Commitment to You

​

Our mission is to provide expert, efficient, and supportive representation—whether you're seeking a limited licence, defending a charge, or hoping to avoid a conviction. We aim to: