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Drink Driving

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Understanding Drink Driving Disqualifications in New Zealand

Being disqualified from driving because of a drink driving offence can have serious consequences for your employment, family commitments, and everyday life. However, a disqualification does not always mean you will be unable to drive for the entire disqualification period.

Depending on the type of offence and your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply to the District Court for a Limited Licence after completing the required stand-down period. Understanding how the process works, when you become eligible, and what the Court requires can help you better understand the Court process and what information the Court may consider..

Things no one will tell you...

Many people don't realise that most drink driving disqualifications are subject to a mandatory 28-day stand-down period before the Court can grant a Limited Licence. Understanding the Court process early can help you prepare for the steps involved once the stand-down period has expired.

Every case is different. Factors such as your driving history, the circumstances of the offending, previous convictions, the hardship caused by losing your licence, and public safety considerations can all influence the outcome of an application.

Independent Information

We provide free, confidential information about the Limited Licence process in New Zealand. Our website explains the relevant legislation, statutory eligibility criteria, Court procedures, and commonly used terminology to help people better understand how the process works.

Our purpose is to present clear, independent information in one place so visitors can make informed decisions about their own circumstances. We do not issue driver licences, provide government documents, or act on behalf of any government agency. Any decision to grant a Limited Licence is made solely by the New Zealand Courts in accordance with the Land Transport Act 1998.

  • Understand when a person may become eligible following the statutory stand-down period. Most drink driving disqualifications are subject to a mandatory 28-day stand-down period before the Court can grant a Limited Licence.
  • Learn what types of information the Court commonly considers. Remember, this is a Limited Licence. The Court expects the days, hours, routes and purpose of your driving to be limited.
  • Understand the role of supporting evidence in Court proceedings. Applications are generally stronger when supported by employer letters, medical information, financial details, or affidavits from people affected by your inability to drive.
  • Learn how applications are lodged and considered by the District Court. The Court relies on clear, well-prepared documentation that explains your hardship, driving requirements, and why you need a Limited Licence.  It must be compelling!
  • Understand the role of Police and the District Court in the decision-making process. The Police will review the application with public safety in mind.
  • Applications are filed with the District Court and served on Police in accordance with the applicable Court procedures. A Judge makes the final decision. The Court considers the Police's position, the strength of all supporting evidence, public safety, and individual circumstances before deciding whether to grant a Limited Licence.
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Do's and Don'ts

  • DO's

    Understand the legal process.
    Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
    Ensure any information provided to the Court is accurate.
    Obtain information from reliable sources.
    Comply with all licence conditions.

  • DONT's
    Don't drive while disqualified.
    Don't assume everyone qualifies.
    Don't ignore the stand-down period.
    Don't overlook the importance of complying with any Court order.

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Independent Information
Limited Licence Experts is an independent public information service providing free general information about the Limited Licence process in New Zealand. We are not a government agency, the New Zealand Police, the Ministry of Justice, the District Court, or the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). Limited Licences are granted solely by the District Court under the Land Transport Act 1998. The information on this website is general in nature, provided for educational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice or determine eligibility for a Limited Licence.
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