Road Transport Act 1987 · Updated to 15 Oct 2023 · Part II · Classification, Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles and Drivers
31. Disqualification for offences
Feedback & supportAny court before which a person is convicted of any criminal offence in connection with the driving of a motor vehicle—
motor vehicle
“motor vehicle” means a vehicle of any description, propelled by means of mechanism contained within itself and constructed or adapted so as to be capable of being used on roads, and includes a trailer;
may in any case, except where otherwise expressly provided by this Part, and shall where so required by this
Part, order him to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for life or for such period as the court thinks fit; and
may in any case, and shall where a person is by virtue of a conviction disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence or where an order so disqualifying a person is made, or where so required by this Part, order that particulars of the conviction and of any disqualification to which the convicted person has become subject shall be endorsed on any driving licence held by the offender:
Provided that, if the court thinks fit, any disqualification imposed under this section may be limited to the driving of a motor vehicle of the same class or description as the motor vehicle in respect of which the offence was committed.
A person who by virtue of an order of a court under this Part is disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence may appeal against the order in the same manner as against a conviction, and the
driving licence
“driving licence” means a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted or deemed to be granted under Part II and includes a learner’s driving licence and a probationary driving licence granted under section 29;
Road Transport 53
road
“road” means— (a) any public road and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges, tunnels, lay-bys, ferry facilities, interchanges, roundabouts, traffic islands, road dividers, all traffic lanes, acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes, side-tables, median strips, overpasses, underpasses, approaches, entrance and exit ramps, toll plazas, service areas, and other structures and fixtures to fully effect its use; (b) for the purposes of sections 70 and 85, also includes a road under construction; and (c) for the purpose of sections 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 45A, also includes a parking place;
court may, if it thinks fit, pending the appeal, suspend the operation of the order.