Cardboard ‘Plates’ Lead to Court: Sydney Driver Charged After Licence Suspension
NSW Police, who stopped a 32-year-old woman late on the evening of 4 July, made an unusual discovery. The woman, who was stopped on The River Road, Revesby, was allegedly driving a Hyundai Veloster fitted with cardboard cut-outs instead of number plates. Images posted by police show the makeshift “plates” taped to the car. Officers say her licence had recently been suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h, and the vehicle’s plates had been confiscated for three months. She allegedly told police she was using the cardboard plates so she could visit a friend.
The driver has been issued a Court Attendance Notice for several offences, including driving while suspended, operating a vehicle during a number-plate confiscation period, tampering with a confiscation notice and using a vehicle displaying misleading number plates.
A quick reminder for everyone: DIY has its place, but not on your registration. Driving while suspended or during a confiscation period is treated seriously in NSW. Penalties can include heavy fines, further disqualification, a criminal record and, in some cases, imprisonment. If your licence is suspended or your plates are seized, do not drive. Get advice about appeal rights, good-behaviour options and the best way to present your case in court.
If you have received a Court Attendance Notice for licence or number-plate offences, the Jameson Law traffic offence team in Sydney can help you understand your options and put forward a clear, persuasive case. We get it, and we are here to help.
Why Driving While Suspended Is Taken So Seriously
In NSW, driving while suspended or disqualified is considered a criminal offence. According to Transport for NSW, these offences attract mandatory penalties, including licence disqualification periods and fines. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment.
The law is clear: once your licence has been suspended, you must not drive under any circumstances. Using “fake” or improvised plates, like cardboard cut-outs, is considered an aggravating factor and may be treated as an attempt to deceive police officers.
Penalties You Could Face
Penalties depend on the offence and whether it is a first or subsequent offence. They can include:
Fines of up to $3,300 for driving while suspended (first offence)
Imprisonment for repeat offenders (up to 18 months)
Mandatory disqualification periods ranging from 6 months to 2 years
Criminal record entries that can impact your employment and travel
Full details can be found on the NSW Government penalties page.
How Licence Suspension Works in NSW
Licences in NSW can be suspended for a range of reasons, including speeding, drink driving, or accumulating too many demerit points. When a suspension occurs, Service NSW issues a notice and provides details about the suspension period. Plates may also be confiscated under certain serious offences, like exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h.
Once your licence is suspended, driving is prohibited. Even short trips, like the one claimed by the Revesby driver to visit a friend, can result in severe penalties.
Options If Your Licence Is Suspended
Drivers facing suspension do have options, which include:
Appealing the suspension in court
Applying for a “good behaviour licence” (available in some cases)
Seeking legal advice to prepare for court attendance
Reviewing whether the suspension notice was issued correctly
Impact on Car Insurance and Costs
Driving while suspended or with fake plates can also affect your car insurance. Most insurers, such as NRMA Insurance or Budget Direct, will not cover you if you are driving illegally. A conviction for traffic offences can result in higher premiums or refusal of cover altogether.
This is why insurers emphasise compliance with NSW road rules.
Defences That May Be Available
Not every charge automatically leads to conviction. A Sydney criminal defence lawyer may explore possible defences, such as:
Lack of knowledge about the suspension
Administrative error by RMS or Transport for NSW
Exceptional need (though this is rarely successful without strong evidence)
Statistics on Licence Offences
According to Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), licence-related offences are among the most common traffic offences in NSW. Thousands of drivers each year are caught driving while suspended or disqualified, with courts imposing both custodial and non-custodial penalties.
How Jameson Law Can Help
At Jameson Law, we provide expert advice and representation for those charged with licence and registration offences in Sydney and across NSW. Our solicitors can:
Assess whether your suspension or plate confiscation was valid
Represent you in court to seek reduced penalties
Negotiate with prosecutors to avoid harsh outcomes
Advise on appeal options and good behaviour licences
Final Thoughts
The case of the cardboard plates in Revesby highlights the importance of compliance with NSW driving laws. What may seem like a shortcut can have long-lasting consequences, from fines and licence disqualification to criminal records and higher insurance premiums.
If you are facing charges for licence or registration offences, contact a Sydney traffic offence solicitor immediately. Acting early improves your chances of reducing penalties and protecting your driving record.
Jameson Law’s traffic law team combines expertise with experience, offering practical advice and strong representation to secure the best outcomes for our clients.
Don’t risk your future—get professional help today.
