Can I appeal a driving disqualification?

What the Law Says

The Road Traffic Act 1961 sets out the right to appeal a driving disqualification imposed by a District Court judge.

Under section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a person convicted of a road traffic offence and disqualified from driving may appeal the disqualification to the Circuit Court.

This right of appeal applies only if the disqualification was imposed on conviction — it does not apply to automatic or mandatory disqualifications triggered solely by penalty points or prior convictions unless tied to a new conviction.

The appeal must be lodged within 14 days of the date of conviction. Missing this deadline generally means losing the right to appeal, unless exceptional circumstances apply (though the statute itself does not provide for extensions).

The Circuit Court has full power on appeal to confirm, reduce, or set aside the disqualification — and may also impose a different penalty, including a fine or further disqualification.

Statutory Text

Where a person is convicted of an offence under this Act and is disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence, he may, within fourteen days of the conviction, appeal against the disqualification to the Circuit Court.

— Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 29 — Appeal against disqualification

What to Do

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