More changes to SHO

Recent changes have removed the 21 day time period for making an SHO Application.  A SHO is also known as a Special Hardship Order.  It allows a person to continue to drive despite a licence suspension.  It is made by Application to the Queensland Magistrates Court.  But conditions apply.  You can check your eligibility to make a SHO application using the chat-bot in the bottom right hand corner of this page.

From 1 July 2019, further changes apply to drivers subject to a Special Hardship Order. The changes were introduced under the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2019.

The new changes do not change a person’s eligibility for a Special Hardship Order. However, it does affect your decision on whether to make an application.  Or instead, to accept a period of licence suspension.  

Under the changes, drivers will be unable to accumulate any points whilst on a special hardship order.  Previously, a driver could accumulate up to three demerit points.  If you were already subject to a special hardship order before 1 July 2019, you will not be affected by this change.

The repercussions of accumulating a single demerit point whilst on the new zero demerit point allowance of a SHO is devastating.  Your licence will be suspended for double the initial suspension period! Even if the accumulation occurs just before the end of the SHO period. Meaning you will be off the road for twice the time period you initially faced.

Discuss your Special Hardship Order Application with a Traffic Lawyer by contacting our office via telephone or email.  An experienced Traffic Lawyer will assist with your query.

Licence Disqualification