Get A Limited License
If your livelihood depends on your ability to drive, you may be able to apply for a limited license. These are granted under special circumstances and only allow you to drive for specific reasons at certain times.
Applying to the Christchurch District Court for a limited license can be a complicated process. The court requires your application to be formatted in a particular way and answer certain questions, but there is no limited license application form.
Limited licenses are not granted easily. You have to prove that genuine hardship will result from not being able to drive. For example, losing your job, you have dependent children or family members, or a relevant medical issue. If a third party is affected by your inability to drive your application may likely be more successful.
Our traffic law experts are highly experienced at putting together limited license applications. We know what the courts and the NZTA are looking for, and can give you the best chance of success.
Appealing A Driving Offence
Traffic violations range in severity. From low-level parking and speeding fines, to serious drink-driving or driving while disqualified. If you’ve received an infringement notice or ‘charging document,’ Godfreys Law can help you dispute the charges or enter a plea in mitigation.
In most cases, the owner of the vehicle is held responsible for paying any fees or fines unless you can show a reasonable defence. For example, you weren’t driving the vehicle at the time of the offence.
A plea in mitigation asks the enforcement authority issuing the fine, usually police or Christchurch City Council, to consider an explanation or mitigating factors that explain how the offence happened, why you shouldn’t be charged, or why the penalty is too harsh.