What impact do traffic convictions have on your record?
Traffic convictions in Victoria don’t just result in fines or demerit points.
Depending on the severity of the offence, they may also appear on your driving or criminal record.
Understanding how long a conviction stays on record, its impact, and whether it can be removed is important for any driver. Our traffic lawyers in Melbourne share what you need to know.
Disclaimer: please note that the information provided in this blog post is general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. Call James Dowsley & Associates on (03) 9781 4900 for tailored legal counsel.
What is a traffic conviction in Victoria?
In Victoria, a traffic conviction is a formal court outcome for a traffic offence. It means a magistrate has found you guilty. Unlike a fine (which is an infringement notice), a conviction is usually recorded on your driving or criminal history.
Some traffic offences result in fines without a conviction. Other, more serious offences, usually lead to a court conviction. The severity of the offence determines whether a conviction is recorded.
Related: What happens when you go to court for a traffic offence?
Common types of traffic and driving offences that can lead to a conviction include:
Drink driving or drug driving
Dangerous or careless driving
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Exceeding the speed limit by 25 km/h or more (learn more about fighting a speeding fine here)
Failing to stop after an accident
Using a mobile phone while driving (in some cases)
Driving an unregistered or unsafe vehicle
How long do traffic convictions stay on your record?
The length of time a traffic conviction stays on your record depends on the type of offence and whether it is recorded on your driving history or criminal record.
Traffic record (VicRoads)
VicRoads keeps a record of all traffic offences, including fines, demerit points, and convictions. Most offences remain on your driving history for at least five years. Serious offences, like drink driving, may stay longer.
Criminal record (Victoria Police)
Some traffic offences are serious enough to appear on your criminal record. Convictions on a criminal record remain indefinitely unless they become "spent" under Victoria’s Spent Convictions Scheme.
Timeframes for common traffic offences
Minor infringements usually remain on your VicRoads record for five years.
Drink driving or drug driving typically stays on your VicRoads record for 10 years.
Licence suspension or disqualification: recorded for the duration of the suspension/disqualification and may remain visible for up to 10 years.
Serious offences (e.g. dangerous driving causing injury or death) can result in a permanent criminal record.
How might a traffic conviction affect me?
A traffic conviction can have consequences beyond fines and demerit points. It may affect your licence, insurance, employment, and even international travel. The severity of the impact depends on the type of offence and whether it appears on your traffic or criminal record.
Licence penalties
Certain traffic convictions can lead to demerit points, licence suspensions, or even disqualification. More serious offences, such as drink or drug driving, may require you to complete a behaviour change program or install an alcohol interlock device before regaining full driving privileges.
Learn more about demerit points and licence suspensions here.
Insurance implications
Insurers assess risk based on your driving record, and a traffic conviction can lead to higher premiums. In some cases, drivers with serious convictions may have difficulty securing cover or may be excluded from certain policies.
Employment considerations
Jobs that involve driving—such as transport, courier, or government roles—often require a clean record.
Some employers conduct driving history checks. A criminal traffic conviction may appear on a police check, which could limit opportunities in regulated industries.
International travel restrictions
Some countries, including the United States and Canada, have strict entry policies for individuals with criminal traffic convictions. Offences such as drink driving or dangerous driving can lead to visa denials or extra scrutiny at border crossings.
Can a traffic conviction be removed from my record?
In Victoria, some traffic convictions may be removed through the Spent Convictions Scheme. Under this scheme, eligible convictions become “spent” after a set period. This means they no longer appear on standard police checks.
Most convictions are spent after 10 years for adults or 5 years for minors, provided no further offences occur. Serious offences, like dangerous driving causing death, are not eligible.
For driving records, VicRoads retains most offences for at least 5 to 10 years, depending on severity.
If you believe a conviction was unfair, seek legal advice on appealing the decision.
What to do if you receive a traffic conviction
If you receive a traffic conviction, it’s essential to understand your rights and obligations
Knowing when to hire a traffic lawyer can make a significant difference, especially for offences that may impact your licence, employment, or insurance.
A traffic lawyer can help you build a strong defence against drink driving charges, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Seeking legal advice can help you explore options for reducing fines, avoiding licence suspensions, or disputing a conviction.
If you need guidance on your situation, James Dowsley & Associates can provide expert legal support. Contact us online or call 24/7 for immediate support: (03) 9781 4900.
