The Traffic Offenders Program

10.1What the program is and is not

The Traffic Offenders Intervention Program is a court-recognised educational program delivered by accredited providers under a scheme administered through the Local Court [review: the current administrative basis; the program was historically endorsed by the Chief Magistrate and is run by providers listed by the court]. Completion is not a sentencing option and confers no statutory benefit. Its value is evidentiary: it is accepted by Judges as evidence of insight, remorse and reduced risk, and its absence in a driving matter where s 10 is sought is noticed.

10.2Referral and self-referral

Some courts refer offenders formally at the first mention; most providers accept self-referral before any court appearance. The practitioner advises self-referral immediately on instructions, because the sessions run weekly and a course started at the first mention may not finish before the adjourned date.

10.3The certificate

The provider issues a certificate of completion identifying the participant, the program, the dates and, in some cases, the participant's engagement. It is tendered with the subjective material and referred to in submissions under s 10(3)(a) and, on the question of specific deterrence, under the general purposes of sentencing in s 3A. A provider's report that goes beyond attendance to comment on engagement is more valuable than a bare certificate.

10.4Cost and accessibility

Fees vary by provider [review: typical range]; fee relief is sometimes available. Online delivery has made the program accessible to regional clients who previously could not attend, and the court accepts online completion.