Licence to spill: Aussie man gets tangled in red tape over mistaken identity driving fines

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be a daunting task, especially when you're caught in a web of mistaken identity and bureaucratic red tape.

This is a lesson learned the hard way by an Aussie man who found himself in a challenging scenario, losing his licence and facing staggering fines for driving offences he didn't commit.

The twist? The offences occurred in another state, one that he hadn't visited in half a decade.


Ross, the unfortunate NSW resident, shared his bewildering story on 2GB radio.

He explained how he was wrongfully nominated for 14 driving offences, totalling $7000 in fines, linked to vehicles registered to companies in Victoria.

To add insult to injury, one of the offence images clearly depicted a woman behind the wheel—a stark contrast to Ross's own appearance.


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A NSW man named Ross lost his licence and is now facing $7000 in fines due to wrongful nomination for driving offences in Victoria. Credit: Shutterstock


‘I haven't been to Victoria in the last five years, and I haven't driven a car in Victoria in the last five years,’ Ross lamented to host Ben Fordham, dispelling any notion that he could be the long-haired driver in question. ‘It's not me.’

Fordham asked if Ross had ‘flowing long hair’ like the driver in the photo. Ross responded, ‘I don't, unfortunately. It's short hair.’


Despite his proactive efforts, including contacting various government departments such as Service NSW and Vic Roads, submitting a statutory declaration, a police report, a request for an extension, and a nomination statement, Ross's predicament remains unresolved.

His licence has been suspended, and the fines loom large over his head.

‘I've tried to highlight that I'm a male and she is a female, but it's still ongoing,’ Ross shared.

‘It's a very convoluted process.’

‘When someone assumes your identity in a fraudulent manner, it's no easy feat kind of getting it back,’ he added.


Ben Fordham, the radio host who brought Ross's story to light, said that the situation was ‘unbelievable’ and pledged to help resolve the matter within 24 hours.

‘We'll talk this time tomorrow,’ Fordham told Ross.

This promise of assistance is a glimmer of hope for Ross, who has been ensnared in a legal labyrinth through no fault of his own.


The story of a NSW man losing his licence due to an unknown driver's actions in Victoria highlights the chaos and confusion that can arise from such situations.

Similarly, a recent case involving a pensioner showcases the severe repercussions of losing personal identification.

After his wallet was stolen, the pensioner found himself facing over $20,000 in unwarranted fines, underscoring the vulnerability and challenges that can follow the loss of crucial documents.
Key Takeaways
  • A NSW man named Ross lost his licence and is now facing $7000 in fines due to being wrongfully nominated for driving offences in Victoria.
  • Despite not having driven in Victoria for five years, an image attached to one offence shows a woman behind the wheel, not Ross.
  • Ross attempted to clear his name through various government departments and legal documents but has found the process convoluted.
  • Radio host Ben Fordham promised to intervene and try to resolve Ross's situation within 24 hours.
Have you or someone you know ever faced a similar situation? How was it resolved? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help fellow members stay one step ahead of such predicaments.
 
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28 days to submit a rejection of nomination for a driving offence. I hope the process on the infringement was followed. If so and he was still stung then Ben Fordham might be looking for a criminal accomplice within the penalty system who is helping stitch up innocent people...... Might be a good racket for the major investigative journo's to have a look at....
 
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