Whether you are suspended from driving or your licence has expired, you need to be able to know the facts. This article provides some insight into how VicRoads administers licence suspensions. Find out how your licence is suspended and what to do next. It’s important to know the laws and regulations governing your driving privileges. The information in this article is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the laws and regulations regarding the suspension of driving licences.
VicRoads administration of suspension periods
Andrew’s appeal was upheld at a recent hearing in the Court of Appeal and he has now been suspended for an additional 19 days. He argues that he thought the suspension period would apply when the notice he received was first issued, and was therefore unaware that the suspension had not been put on hold until the appeal was heard. VicRoads also says that it will continue to monitor how the suspension period is administered.
When faced with the decision to uphold his suspension, VicRoads refused to waive his recent violation, claiming there was no indication that the interlock device was defective and that Evan had received five64 successful ‘pass’ readings during the period of his previous suspension. However, Evan provided the Ombudsman with a letter from his psychologist explaining his alcoholism and mental health conditions. According to the psychologist, Evan would never have deliberately disregarded the interlock device.
The Ombudsman investigated the matter and found that the IT system error had affected 25,729 people and impacted 8,512 registrations. The department also suspended fines for unregistered vehicles, while the Police and Victoria Roads stepped in to provide support. VicRoads engaged Price Waterhouse Coopers to review its processes. Ultimately, this was an inconsequential error and demonstrates the need for better communication with customers.
Despite the Ombudsman’s findings, there are still numerous reasons why a vehicle may be suspended, including inconsistency in the application process. The failure to properly identify the owner of a vehicle in the Registry is an obvious red flag. And a lack of communication between VicRoads and drivers can lead to theft. As a result, VicRoads should be held accountable for not ensuring that all applications are correct and processed promptly.
The Ombudsman also recommended that VicRoads change the way refunds are processed. It has introduced a pilot program in several customer service centres. This has helped reduce the processing time. If successful, VicRoads should implement this system across all customer service centres. A system that prioritizes refunds would be more appropriate. That would make it easier to provide the service required by customers and help resolve complaints.
The new policy should be applied in more circumstances, such as when the payment of registration is a hardship. VicRoads should consider this and other options for extending the concession policy to cover more drivers. Centrelink and VicRoads should also investigate whether it could implement other changes to support social equity in the road transport sector. Nonetheless, this is a positive step in the right direction.
While the law allows for appeals, a lack of consistency is problematic. VicRoads relies on reports of licence revocation from licence holders and others. It processes about 10 000 reports a year, a significant proportion of which deal with ongoing matters. Nevertheless, the number of elderly crashes is not insignificant and is expected to increase with the aging population. The Ombudsman’s office will continue to monitor this issue and will consider the case if necessary.
VicRoads administration of licence
A driver’s licence condition imposed by VicRoads involves using an alcohol interlock device while driving. The device sounded twice while the driver was outside of his car. Evan later revealed that he had been cleaning out the boot and a plastic cover had been put over the driver’s seat. The device then sounded again when he returned. This incident is now a matter for VicRoads to review.
A person may have an application that was incomplete if they do not provide all of the required documentation. For example, if a person registered their vehicle in the name of someone else, but does not provide their driver’s licence number or a valid driver’s licence, this could lead to theft. A motorist may not even realise they have a valid registration when their name is not on the registration. The owner of a vehicle can be denied access to their vehicle if they do not provide all the necessary documents.
In 2016, VicRoads introduced a customer portal called myVicRoads. It lets customers sign up to receive notifications of upcoming registrations, and even view suspension notices online. This new system has been a success in this regard, with nearly one million Victorians signing up for the service. Approximately 90000 new customers register with the site each month. Using this system, VicRoads believes it will address the issue of customers not being aware of their impending registration renewal.
Drivers who are subject to multiple suspensions can have their licences suspended. In addition, drivers can have their licence cancelled if they have multiple demerit points. VicRoads acknowledges the difficulties involved with these suspensions, and has recommended amending Regulation 102 so that demerit point suspensions are not applied simultaneously with other licence suspensions. As a result, the company is committed to examining the way in which its licences are suspended or cancelled.
For those who have a medical condition that affects their ability to drive, VicRoads has developed a system that can help them manage these conditions. People with health conditions, disabilities, and other factors will find support in this system, and this program is aimed at helping these people get their licence. VicRoads will also assist drivers with the registration and transfer of their vehicles. The website provides updated information on the administration of licences and safe operating procedures.
The Ombudsman acknowledged the complex nature of VicRoads’ processes. The Register is relied on by law enforcement. The Ombudsman found that there was a legitimate reason to record a transfer, and people use the details on the Register to assert ownership or facilitate a sale. Despite the problems with this process, VicRoads is still responsible for maintaining this important database.
VicRoads administration of licence suspension periods
When a person receives a licence suspension, a number of things must happen to keep it from being overturned. The first step is to ensure that you have no demerit points on your licence. If you have, you can opt to extend the period by calling VicRoads on 1300 366 132. The next step is to make sure that your licence has been suspended at least six months. If you have accumulated more than fifteen demerit points in the last three years, your licence suspension period could be much longer.
If you have accumulated a number of demerit points in the past five years, you will have to deal with the process of revocation. VicRoads will send you a letter outlining the suspension period. The suspension period will usually be six months, but you can receive it as long as ten months if you have accumulated a large number of points. In order to avoid a suspension, you must cancel your demerit points or cease to hold a Victorian licence.
If you are unable to complete a drink driving education course, you will have to surrender your licence to VicRoads. If you do not complete the course within the specified time frame, you will be disqualified from driving for a period of time. If you complete the course, your licence will be re-issued. If you do not complete the course, you will have to surrender your licence and apply for a new one. The period is not as long as a disqualification period, so it is not worth the risk.
If you don’t have a Victorian licence, you are automatically disqualified from driving. It’s important to note that you do not have to do all of these things simultaneously. Depending on the time period and the circumstances, you may find that you are disqualified for up to 3 months if you have more than twelve demerit points on your licence. You will also have to stop driving in Victoria for three months during this time, so make sure you have a licence before you start your disqualification period.
