Articles &amp; guides

Demerit Point Suspension NZ: Can You Get a Limited Licence?

Suspended for demerit points? There is no 28-day stand-down for demerit suspensions. A limited licence application can be filed immediately. Find out how — fixed fee, fast turnaround.

Section 65 LTA and Limited Licences: What Disqualified Drivers Need to Know

Disqualified under section 65 of the Land Transport Act? You may still qualify for a limited licence. Rion Norris explains exactly who is excluded, who is not, and how to apply.

Immigration Risks After a Traffic Conviction: What Migrants in NZ Must Know Before Pleading Guilty

Migrant visa holders in NZ risk deportation after traffic convictions. Learn how to avoid a conviction using section 106 of the Sentencing Act and protect your immigration status.

Do You Qualify for a Limited Licence? Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Many limited licence applications in NZ fail due to common errors. Learn the top reasons for rejection and how to avoid them under sections 103-105 of the Land Transport Act.

How to Get a Limited Licence in NZ: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Disqualified or suspended in NZ? This is the complete guide to applying for a limited licence: eligibility, the 28-day rule, hardship evidence, court process, and costs. Written by a specialist lawyer.

In-depth guides

Detailed guides covering eligibility, evidence, the court process, conditions, and common scenarios.

The 28-Day Stand-Down Period for Limited Licences

After a court-imposed driving disqualification in New Zealand, you must wait 28 days before your limited licence hearing. Here is how the stand-down works and what you can do during it.

How to Structure Your Limited Licence Affidavit

Your affidavit is the foundation of the limited licence application. Here is how to structure it so the court has everything it needs.

Getting a Limited Licence After a Drink Driving Disqualification

If you have been disqualified for drink driving and need to keep driving for work, here is a practical guide to the limited licence pathway — from eligibility through to the hearing.

Getting a Limited Licence After a Drug Driving Disqualification

If you have been disqualified for drug driving and need to keep working, here is the limited licence pathway — from eligibility checks to the court hearing.

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Breaching Limited Licence Conditions

Driving outside your limited licence conditions is a criminal offence. Here is what constitutes a breach, the consequences, and what happens to your limited licence.

conditions

Conditions on a Limited Licence in New Zealand

A limited licence specifies exactly when, where, and why you can drive. Here is how the court sets conditions under s104 and what restrictions apply.

What to Expect at Your Limited Licence Court Hearing

A practical guide to the limited licence hearing in the District Court — how the hearing runs, what the judge will ask, how to make submissions, and what happens after the decision.

Limited Licence After a Demerit Point Suspension

If your licence has been suspended due to accumulated demerit points under s90, you can apply for a limited licence immediately — with no stand-down period.

Limited Licence After a Drug Driving Offence

If you have been disqualified for drug driving, you may still be eligible for a limited licence — provided it is a first offence or your prior offence is outside the five-year window.

Employer Affidavits for Limited Licence Applications

A sworn employer affidavit is the most important piece of evidence in most limited licence applications. Here is what the court expects and how to get it right.

How to File a Limited Licence Application in New Zealand

A step-by-step guide to filing your limited licence application with the District Court — from preparing documents to lodging the application and serving the police prosecutor.

The Hardship Test for Limited Licences Under s105

To get a limited licence, you must prove extreme hardship to yourself or undue hardship to another person. Here is how the court assesses hardship under section 105.

Alcohol Interlock and Limited Licences NZ: Your Options Explained

Mandatory alcohol interlock? You may be excluded from a limited licence — but not always. Find out what section 65 means for your situation. Fixed fee from $749+GST. Free consult.

Police Opposition to Limited Licence Applications

The police prosecutor can oppose your limited licence application. Here is when opposition is likely, what it looks like in practice, and how to address it.

Limited Licence After Refusing a Breath or Blood Test

Refusing a breath, blood, or impairment test is a qualifying offence that can trigger both the interlock bar and the repeat offence bar. Here is what it means for limited licence eligibility.

Repeat Offending and the s103(2)(d) Limited Licence Bar

Two qualifying driving offences within five years creates an absolute bar on limited licence applications. Here is how the repeat offence rule works under s103(2)(d).

Limited Licence for Rural Drivers

In rural New Zealand, losing your licence often means losing your livelihood. With limited or no public transport, rural drivers have a strong case for a limited licence.

Limited Licence Evidence for Self-Employed Applicants

Self-employed applicants face unique challenges in proving hardship for a limited licence. No employer affidavit exists — the evidence must come from you and your business records.

Serving Your Limited Licence Application on the Police Prosecutor

Before the court can hear your limited licence application, you must serve a copy on the police prosecutor. Here is how to do it correctly and avoid delays.

Limited Licence for Shift Workers

Shift workers face unique challenges — early starts, late finishes, and rotating rosters make public transport impractical. Here is how to build a limited licence application around irregular hours.

Limited Licence for Sole Directors and Business Owners

If you are the sole director or owner-operator of a business and driving is essential to operations, here is how to approach a limited licence application.

Supporting Documents for a Limited Licence Application

A complete list of documents you may need for your limited licence application — from employer affidavits to transport evidence and medical certificates.

Limited Licence for Tradespeople

Tradespeople — builders, plumbers, electricians, painters — depend on driving to reach job sites and transport tools. Here is how to build a strong limited licence application as a tradesperson.

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Varying Limited Licence Conditions

If your circumstances change after your limited licence is granted, you can apply to the court to vary the conditions. Here is how variations work.