The complete guide to limited licences in New Zealand
Everything you need to know about applying for a limited licence — eligibility rules, evidence requirements, the court process, and conditions — explained by a qualified NZ lawyer.
What is a limited licence?
A limited licence is a court order under section 105 of the Land Transport Act 1998 that allows a disqualified or suspended driver to drive under restricted conditions. It is granted where the applicant can demonstrate extreme hardship to themselves or undue hardship to another person. The licence specifies exactly when, where, and why you can drive — and strict conditions apply.
Who can apply, who cannot, and when.
The 28-Day Stand-Down Period for Limited Licences
After a court-imposed driving disqualification in New Zealand, you must wait 28 days before your limited licence hearing. Here is how the stand-down works and what you can do during it.
Limited Licence After a Demerit Point Suspension
If your licence has been suspended due to accumulated demerit points under s90, you can apply for a limited licence immediately — with no stand-down period.
Limited Licence After a Drug Driving Offence
If you have been disqualified for drug driving, you may still be eligible for a limited licence — provided it is a first offence or your prior offence is outside the five-year window.
Alcohol Interlock Sentences and Limited Licences
If your offence triggers the mandatory alcohol interlock regime under s65AC, you cannot apply for a limited licence. Here is how the interlock bar works under s103(2)(e).
Limited Licence After Refusing a Breath or Blood Test
Refusing a breath, blood, or impairment test is a qualifying offence that can trigger both the interlock bar and the repeat offence bar. Here is what it means for limited licence eligibility.
Repeat Offending and the s103(2)(d) Limited Licence Bar
Two qualifying driving offences within five years creates an absolute bar on limited licence applications. Here is how the repeat offence rule works under s103(2)(d).
Zero Alcohol Licences and Youth Zero-Tolerance Limits
If you are currently on an alcohol interlock licence or zero alcohol licence, you cannot apply for a limited licence. This guide also covers the zero-tolerance threshold for drivers under 20.
Hardship proof, affidavits, and supporting documents.
How to Structure Your Limited Licence Affidavit
Your affidavit is the foundation of the limited licence application. Here is how to structure it so the court has everything it needs.
Employer Affidavits for Limited Licence Applications
A sworn employer affidavit is the most important piece of evidence in most limited licence applications. Here is what the court expects and how to get it right.
The Hardship Test for Limited Licences Under s105
To get a limited licence, you must prove extreme hardship to yourself or undue hardship to another person. Here is how the court assesses hardship under section 105.
Limited Licence Evidence for Self-Employed Applicants
Self-employed applicants face unique challenges in proving hardship for a limited licence. No employer affidavit exists — the evidence must come from you and your business records.
Supporting Documents for a Limited Licence Application
A complete list of documents you may need for your limited licence application — from employer affidavits to transport evidence and medical certificates.
Filing, serving, the hearing, and police opposition.
What to Expect at Your Limited Licence Court Hearing
A practical guide to the limited licence hearing in the District Court — how the hearing runs, what the judge will ask, how to make submissions, and what happens after the decision.
How to File a Limited Licence Application in New Zealand
A step-by-step guide to filing your limited licence application with the District Court — from preparing documents to lodging the application and serving the police prosecutor.
Police Opposition to Limited Licence Applications
The police prosecutor can oppose your limited licence application. Here is when opposition is likely, what it looks like in practice, and how to address it.
Serving Your Limited Licence Application on the Police Prosecutor
Before the court can hear your limited licence application, you must serve a copy on the police prosecutor. Here is how to do it correctly and avoid delays.
Conditions imposed, variations, and breach.
Breaching Limited Licence Conditions
Driving outside your limited licence conditions is a criminal offence. Here is what constitutes a breach, the consequences, and what happens to your limited licence.
Conditions on a Limited Licence in New Zealand
A limited licence specifies exactly when, where, and why you can drive. Here is how the court sets conditions under s104 and what restrictions apply.
Varying Limited Licence Conditions
If your circumstances change after your limited licence is granted, you can apply to the court to vary the conditions. Here is how variations work.
After drink driving, tradespeople, shift workers, rural drivers.
Getting a Limited Licence After a Drink Driving Disqualification
If you have been disqualified for drink driving and need to keep driving for work, here is a practical guide to the limited licence pathway — from eligibility through to the hearing.
Getting a Limited Licence After a Drug Driving Disqualification
If you have been disqualified for drug driving and need to keep working, here is the limited licence pathway — from eligibility checks to the court hearing.
Limited Licence for Rural Drivers
In rural New Zealand, losing your licence often means losing your livelihood. With limited or no public transport, rural drivers have a strong case for a limited licence.
Limited Licence for Shift Workers
Shift workers face unique challenges — early starts, late finishes, and rotating rosters make public transport impractical. Here is how to build a limited licence application around irregular hours.
Limited Licence for Sole Directors and Business Owners
If you are the sole director or owner-operator of a business and driving is essential to operations, here is how to approach a limited licence application.
Limited Licence for Tradespeople
Tradespeople — builders, plumbers, electricians, painters — depend on driving to reach job sites and transport tools. Here is how to build a strong limited licence application as a tradesperson.
Common questions about limited licences
A limited licence is a court order under section 105 of the Land Transport Act 1998 that allows a disqualified or suspended driver to drive under restricted conditions — typically for work, medical needs, or essential family responsibilities. It is not automatic and must be applied for through the District Court.
Several statutory bars exist under section 103(2). You cannot apply if you are subject to an alcohol interlock sentence (s103(2)(e)), have two qualifying offences within five years (s103(2)(d)), are indefinitely disqualified (s103(2)(a)), or are charged with driving while disqualified (s103(2)(c)).
Timeframes vary by court. After a conviction-based disqualification, there is a mandatory 28-day stand-down period before the hearing can take place. Once filed, most courts schedule the hearing within two to four weeks. Demerit point suspensions have no stand-down and can be filed immediately.
Our application preparation service starts at $749 + GST. Full representation (including the court hearing) is $1,499 + GST. Court filing fees are separate and payable to the court.
No. You must not drive until the court grants your limited licence. Driving while disqualified or suspended is a serious criminal offence that will make you ineligible for a limited licence.
Find out if you qualify for a limited licence
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