Christmas is a time for celebrations, long drives, and late nights, and it is also the busiest period of the year for traffic offences. This festive take on the Twelve Days of Christmas shares practical, lawyer-approved reminders to help you avoid fines, licence suspensions, and court dates over the holiday season.
On the first day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: “Don’t drink and drive — ever!”
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” That’s the sound of RBTs everywhere in December.
Police ramp up roadside testing during the holidays, so even “just two drinks” can land you in serious trouble.
If you’re not sure you’re under the limit — don’t risk it.
On the second day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Plan your way home!
Winging it after a Christmas party? Think again.
Taxis, rideshare, designated drivers — anything is better than blowing over the limit.
Because nothing ruins festive cheer like losing your licence right before New Year’s or causing harm to another person or persons.
On the third day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Don’t be caught off guard by holiday closures.
Courts close. Lawyers take leave. Alcohol counselling services pause.
If you’re charged over the break, your first court date might be sooner than you expect — or delayed longer than you’d like.
Know the dates so you’re prepared, not panicked.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Don’t let fines ruin your holiday budget.
Speeding, mobile phone use, drink driving — festive season fines hit hard.
Shop early, budget wisely, and don’t turn your Christmas into a financial nightmare by speeding home with your boot full of presents.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Remember — your licence is precious!
Demerits double over the holiday period in many states.
One bad decision can leave you carless, jobless, and Uber-dependent until February.
Keep your record clean — your future self will thank you.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Don’t drive tired.
Big drives home, late-night events, and long shifts make December the danger zone for fatigue.
“Silent Night” shouldn’t refer to you nodding off behind the wheel.
Rest up — you’re not invincible.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Look after your mates.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — and help others do the same.
If your friend is about to drive after drinking, stop them.
Better an awkward chat than a catastrophic accident.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Have a Plan B if you lose your licence.
If you’re charged with drink driving, dangerous driving or refusing a breath test, your licence might be suspended on the spot.
Sort out:
• Transport to work
• School drop-offs
• Holiday travel
• Licence reinstatement timelines
Stay prepared so Christmas chaos doesn’t hit harder than it needs to.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Don’t try to avoid an RBT.
U-turning away from a police checkpoint might land you in more trouble than the checkpoint itself.
Police know all the tricks — and they’ve seen every one of them.
Just pull over, stay calm, comply, and don’t argue with Santa’s helpers in blue.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Take care of yourself.
The holidays can be stressful.
If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted or struggling, reach out to support services — don’t turn to alcohol and then get behind the wheel.
Make choices that keep you and everyone else safe.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my traffic lawyer said to me: Have a safe and joyful season!
Deck the halls, enjoy your celebrations — but be smart on the roads.
A moment’s poor judgment can lead to serious charges, loss of licence, huge fines, or worse.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, we wishing you a merry, bright and legally stress-free Christmas!
