Issues with Australian & NZ drivers licence?

Noragrets on 21/12/2015 - 10:45
Last edited 21/12/2015 - 11:22 by 1 other user

Hey guys,

Wasn't sure who to ask so am on here, but I moved to New Zealand from Sydney in August, and I am returning for Christmas for a few days to visit family.

I now have a NZ drivers licence, but also an Australian from when I did live here.

Before I moved I received a fine for not wearing a seat belt, and due to moving a week or so after I did not get the chance to pay it. I received an email a few days ago stating it has been suspended until the $250 or something is paid.

I am not moving back to Australia anytime soon and was wondering if I drove and used my NZ licence saying I am visiting, would they know somehow that my AUS licence is suspended ? I know you can drive on a NZ licence for up to 3 months. I have never received a fine or anything over here so it is 100% clean. I'm just wondering if it is allowed, as I have since moved or if they will know. Being Christmas and paying for flights has broken my bank account. Obviously double demerits and do not want to get in any trouble. I don't even have a car but am just curious as to how it works.

Thanks :)

Automotive

Comments

  • oscargamer on 21/12/2015 - 11:19

    the actual status of your NSW? licence is important

    if it's suspended but you have another licence (from NZ) in your case, you are OK to drive

    if your NSW licence is cancelled, then you are likely forbidden to drive on NSW roads regardless of your NZ licence

    best bet is to ring NSW roads and ask them

    • Noragrets on 21/12/2015 - 11:49

      Definitely only suspended. Only received the email a few days ago stating suspension will be lifted once the fine is paid. I might give them a call once I am in Australia and find out. Thank you!

      • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2015 - 15:20

        Whoops, meant to reply to you, not oscargamer.

        As below, the issue will most likely be that your New Zealand licence won't be recognised whilst you hold a NSW licence (suspended or not).

        If you get pulled up by the police and they check your details in the system, they'll find out straight away.

        You can make an enquiry with RMS via their website and if you don't hear back from them before you get here, then give a call.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2015 - 15:05
      +1

      if it's suspended but you have another licence (from NZ) in your case, you are OK to drive

      Goog, best speak to the RTA to get a definitive answer, but it probably is not OK to drive.

      Once you’ve been issued with a NSW licence, including a learner licence, it becomes the authority under which you can drive or ride on NSW roads. Your overseas licence is not recognised and has no authority while you hold a NSW licence.

      A NSW licence was issued; it was suspended, so it's still held; thus the overseas licence is not recognised.

      This is from "Applying for a NSW licence as a temporary overseas visitor", but describes a similar situation:

      If you still meet the requirements of a visiting driver, you cannot resume driving under the authority of your overseas licence, unless you hand in (surrender) your NSW licence. This is provided your NSW licence is not suspended or cancelled and you have not failed a driving/riding test.

  • Davo1111 on 21/12/2015 - 12:03

    99.9% sure getting an Australian license makes your NZ one invalid (in Aus), otherwise there wouldnt be any point.

    If you get pulled over and give them your NZ one, they'll run the search and find you have a suspended NSW license.

    • Noragrets on 21/12/2015 - 12:18

      Are they able to run a search and find out I have an Australian license if I only gave them my nz license ?

      Like I said, I don't actually have a car in Australia so I won't really be driving but in a situation of going to coles or something, I don't want to do it unless I know it's okay.

      I'll give them a call when I am there.
      Thanks !

      • Davo1111 on 21/12/2015 - 12:21

        Yes, they can already work out if your licensed from your name and DOB, they do this with people who "forget" their license.

        You're from NZ, they do it all the time on PoliceTen7

  • Noragrets on 21/12/2015 - 12:28

    http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/visiting-nsw.html

    It says here if you are disqualified from driving in nsw you are unable too. But doesn't mention suspension of a nsw license.

    Says further down that if you are Australian, but a perminent resident of another country you are able to drive on that license and there is no need to renew your nsw license.

    I'm a ltitle confused haha I am actually Australian though, just decided to move here. Police here are much nicer too

    • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2015 - 12:36
      +1

      Play it safe, pay the fine and get your license in order here.

      The penalty for driving on a suspended license is far worse, plus you're still liable for the original fine too which will have additional fees added to it over time.

      Certainly beats having the change of getting arrested for driving on a suspended license.

  • Randxyz123 on 21/12/2015 - 14:12

    Give them a call ASAP. Explain that you know you got the fine but with the move you got really distracted and forgot. Hopefully they'll let you pay it over the phone.

  • Donaldhump on 21/12/2015 - 14:42
    +1

    pay the fine and save the hassle

    • Davo1111 on 21/12/2015 - 20:19

      I'm sure the NSW Government has a deal with immigration too, preventing OP from coming in.

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