Speeding Fines in New Zealand: Fine Bands and When You Can Lose Your Licence

New Zealand Police issue a fixed infringement fee for speeding, in bands based on how far over the limit you were caught, from $30 up to $630. Go far enough over the limit and the consequences go beyond a fine: more than 40 km/h over a permanent limit brings an immediate roadside 28-day licence suspension, and more than 50 km/h over can bring a careless or dangerous driving charge.

This is general information about New Zealand law, not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or your local Community Law centre.

The speeding fine bands

New Zealand Police publish speeding infringement fees in bands based on how far over the posted speed limit you were caught:

• 10 km/h or less over the limit: $30
• 11 to 15 km/h over the limit: $80
• 16 to 20 km/h over the limit: $120
• 21 to 25 km/h over the limit: $170
• 26 to 30 km/h over the limit: $230
• 31 to 35 km/h over the limit: $300
• 36 to 40 km/h over the limit: $400
• 41 to 45 km/h over the limit: $510
• 46 to 50 km/h over the limit: $630

These are the standard fixed infringement fees. They apply whether the offence was detected by an officer or by a speed camera, though only an officer-issued ticket also carries demerit points, and only an officer can impose the roadside suspension described below.

Speeding more than 40 km/h over: the 28-day roadside suspension

Beyond a certain point, speeding stops being just a fine. Police can suspend your licence immediately, at the roadside, if you are caught speeding more than 40 km/h over a permanent speed limit, or more than 50 km/h over a temporary speed limit, such as through roadworks.

The suspension takes effect immediately. You cannot drive home. The officer takes your licence there and then, and you must hand it over. The suspension lasts 28 days.

This roadside suspension does not apply to speed camera offences. It can only be imposed by a police officer who detects the speed in person, the same distinction that governs whether demerit points apply.

Speeding more than 50 km/h over: a careless or dangerous driving charge

At more than 50 km/h over the limit, you can also be charged with careless, dangerous, or reckless driving, a criminal offence heard in court rather than a fixed infringement fee. This can apply on top of, or instead of, an infringement notice and the 28-day suspension, depending on the circumstances and how police choose to proceed.

Does a speeding ticket carry demerit points?

It depends entirely on how the offence was detected, not on how far over the limit you were caught. NZ Police confirm there are no demerit points for safe speed camera infringement notices. An officer-issued speeding ticket does carry demerit points, rising with the speed: 10 points at up to 10 km/h over, 20 points at 11 to 20 km/h over, 35 points at 21 to 30 km/h over, 40 points at 31 to 35 km/h over, and 50 points at more than 35 km/h over.

This is the same camera-versus-officer distinction that governs the 28-day roadside suspension above: a camera can generate a fine, but only a police officer, detecting the offence in person, can attach demerit points or an immediate suspension. See demerit points in New Zealand for the full offence-to-points table and how the 100-point, 2-year threshold works.

Paying a speeding fine, and what happens if you don't

You can pay a speeding infringement fee online, and there is generally a right to ask police to review the ticket or, in some cases, to elect to have the matter heard in court instead. If a fine is not paid by its final due date, it is transferred to the fines collection unit of the Ministry of Justice, and a court cost is added once it is filed in court. Unpaid fines can also lead to further enforcement action, including deductions or, in serious cases, vehicle seizure.

Related New Zealand driving topics

For how demerit points work, including the 100-point suspension threshold and why camera-detected speeding carries no points at all, see demerit points in New Zealand. For the full driving and traffic section, see the New Zealand driving law hub.