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The legalities surrounding speeding and traffic tickets are governed by the Land Transport Act 1998 in New Zealand. This Act covers the penalties for different speeding and traffic offenses across the country, including Tauranga. Offences could range from exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop at a red light, reckless driving, or not using your seatbelt.
While minor offenses may only attract a simple fine, repeat or major offenses can potentially lead to demerit points, loss of license, or even imprisonment. You may seek the expertise of a lawyer in order to better understand your legal standing, to dispute a ticket or charges you believe were incorrectly given, or to minimise the impact of offenses on your driving record and insurance rates.
In Tauranga, as well as across New Zealand, the speed limit varies depending on the type of road and region - typically 50 km/h in urban areas, and 100 km/h on open roads. There are stricter speed limits in school zones. Exceeding these speed limits, not respecting traffic signs, or reckless driving can result in receiving a traffic ticket and accumulating demerit points. Repeated offenses within a two-year period can result in license suspension.
Yes, you have the right to dispute a traffic fine if you believe it was wrongly issued. This usually involves a court hearing.
If you accumulate 100 or more points in any two-year period, your license can be suspended for three months.
No, driving with a suspended license is a serious offense and can lead to further penalties, including heavier fines or imprisonment.
Following the suspension period, your license will be returned and you will be allowed to drive again, but any demerit points accumulate counting from zero.
It depends on the agreement with your employer. Usually, it is the driver’s responsibility to pay for any traffic fines, but some companies may cover the costs.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has several online resources to help you understand different traffic offenses and their consequences. Local law firms also offer free initial consultations for traffic-related offenses.
If you need legal assistance with a speeding or traffic ticket, consult a lawyer with expertise in traffic law. They can help you understand your rights, discuss your options, and represent you in court if necessary. It can be beneficial to collect all relevant documents, such as the traffic ticket, photographic evidence, and witness statements before meeting with your lawyer.
