Navigating the roads of Australia comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and for many senior Aussies, maintaining a valid driver's licence is crucial for independence and mobility.

However, a recent administrative blunder has left thousands of Australians in a precarious position, potentially driving on suspended licences without realising it.

This oversight has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of affected drivers, many of whom depend on their licences for daily activities such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, and visits to loved ones.


The Department of Transport (DoT) has accumulated a significant backlog, with an astounding 73,000 unprocessed traffic infringements casting doubt on the status of many drivers' licences.

This situation has arisen following the transfer of responsibility for processing traffic infringements from the Western Australia Police Force to the DoT eight months ago.

The move was intended to streamline the process and enhance the experience for WA drivers. Instead, it has led to confusion and concern.


The backlog is not just a minor hiccup; it's a substantial issue with the WA opposition calling out the government for what they've termed 'a complete botching of the process.'

Shadow Transport Spokesman Tjorn Sibma expressed his alarm to the ABC, highlighting the severity of the situation.

'To have a backlog of over 70,000 infringements in the system is not indicative of teething problems,' he said.


The implications are serious: individuals on the road could unknowingly have accumulated enough demerit points to warrant a licence suspension.

The timing of this administrative mishap couldn't be worse.

With the grace period for traffic cameras using AI to detect mobile phone usage ending in April, the DoT is expected to face an even more significant influx of fines to process.

This raises questions about the department's capacity to manage the workload and the potential for further delays.

Despite these concerns, the DoT has assured the public that the processing delays are temporary and that the situation is expected to improve within weeks.

'Once complete, this transition will provide better, more convenient and more flexible payment options for people paying infringements,' they said in a statement.

'The oldest infringement awaiting processing is dated 6 December 2024, and this processing time is similar to that of the previous infringement processing system.'


The department also noted that they are prioritising the processing of infringements related to significant antisocial road safety behaviour, such as hoon offences.

This is a critical reminder to stay on top of your driving record and ensure that all traffic infringements are addressed promptly.

It's also a call to be patient and understanding as the DoT works through these challenges.

If you suspect you may have outstanding fines or are concerned about your licence status, it is advisable to contact the DoT directly to clarify your position.

In the meantime, we encourage our community to continue driving safely and responsibly.

Remember, the road is a shared space, and our actions can have significant consequences for ourselves and others.


In other news, Victoria Police can waive speeding fines and issue official warnings under certain conditions, considering factors such as the situation and the driver’s history.

Drivers with a clean record, free from any speeding or safety-related violations in the past two years, are eligible for consideration. You can read more about it here.
Have you experienced any issues with traffic infringement processing? Do you have concerns about the current backlog? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss how we can navigate these administrative roadblocks together.