Traffic Offences on the Tablelands
A traffic charge on the Tablelands carries the same penalties as a charge in Cairns — but losing your licence here is a different proposition. There are no buses between Atherton and Mareeba, no trains between Herberton and Ravenshoe, no practical way to get to work without a car. That is why so many traffic matters on the Tablelands involve someone who drove when they should not have — because they saw no other option. Your matter will be listed at either Atherton or Mareeba Magistrates Court depending on where the offence occurred. Sacha travels from Cairns to appear at both courts — same…
Driving While Disqualified
This is the most common serious traffic charge on the Tablelands — and the one most likely to result in imprisonment. If you drove while your licence was disqualified by a court order, you are in the most serious category under section 78 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 . Maximum penalty is 60 penalty units or 18 months' imprisonment. A mandatory further disqualification…
Dangerous Operation
Dangerous operation of a vehicle under section 328A of the Criminal Code covers driving that is objectively dangerous — not merely careless or inattentive. The distinction between the two is often the entire case. Basic offence — maximum 200 penalty units or three years' imprisonment. Dealt with summarily in the Magistrates Court. Aggravated offence — maximum 400 penalty units or five years'…
Special Hardship Orders
If your Queensland open licence has been suspended because you accumulated demerit points during a good driving behaviour period, or you were convicted of speeding 40 km/h or more over the limit, a Special Hardship Order may allow you to keep driving under restricted conditions. A Special Hardship Order is available if: Your suspension was for demerit points (good driving behaviour period) or…
Which Court Hears Your Matter
Atherton Magistrates Court — matters from Atherton, Yungaburra, Herberton, Ravenshoe, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, and the southern Tablelands. Mareeba Magistrates Court — matters from Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah, Chillagoe, Mount Molloy, and the northern and western Tablelands. Both courts hear the full range of traffic offences — driving while disqualified, dangerous operation, careless driving,…