When Police Oppose Your Limited Licence Application
Every Limited Licence application goes to Police. Their response shapes what happens at court, so it pays to know how it works.
Why Police see your application
After you file at the court, you serve a copy of your application, affidavits and draft order on the Police Prosecution Service [4]. Police read it and decide whether they agree to it, want changes, or oppose it [4].
What Police look at
- whether you are eligible to apply at all [1]
- whether your hardship is backed by facts, not just claims [3]
- your driving history, which should be disclosed in full [3]
- whether the order would be contrary to public safety [1]
- whether the conditions are specific and can be enforced [3]
There is no application form for a Limited Licence. The Ministry of Justice says the documents need a set format with specific information [2], so it pays to get it right before Police see it.
Requested changes are common
Often Police do not oppose outright. They ask for tighter conditions: shorter hours, a smaller area or a narrower purpose [4]. If the changes are fair and you can still live with them, you can amend your documents and send them back [4]. An amended draft order should be labelled as amended, with the changes clearly marked [3].
Before you agree, check the new wording against your real roster and routes. Once the order is made, driving outside it is an offence [1].
If Police oppose
Opposition does not decide the application. The judge does [1][4]. What changes is the hearing:
- A contested application must be heard in open court, not dealt with on the papers [3].
- Anyone who made an affidavit may have to appear and answer questions on it, unless the parties agree otherwise [1]. That can include your employer or the person who depends on you.
- You will need to explain your evidence and answer questions yourself, or have a lawyer do it for you.
Community Law's guide says the court is far more likely to grant an application Police do not oppose [4]. So it is worth understanding the objection and dealing with it before the hearing date.
Answering the objection
Match your response to the reason:
- Eligibility. If Police say the law rules you out, that is a legal question. Get legal advice.
- Evidence. Fill the gap with facts: an employer affidavit, rosters, appointment letters, pay records [3].
- Conditions. Narrow the hours, area or purpose to what you truly need [1].
- Driving history. Be straight about it. A conviction you explain is far better than one Police find for themselves [3].
Any new or replacement affidavit is signed only in front of an authorised witness, and the easiest place to do that is at the court. Never sign one before then.
Where we fit
We prepare your documents so Police can see the facts clearly from the start. We are a document preparation service, not a law firm, and we do not appear in court for you. If your application is contested on legal grounds, a lawyer can.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 32, 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/DLM434582.html (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Get a Limited Licence, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Practice Note: Applications for a Limited Licence (24 May 2024), District Court of New Zealand, https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Publications/2024/Limited-Licence-Practice-Note-FINAL.pdf (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Applying for a Limited Licence (2024 guide), Community Law, https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Publications/Applying-for-a-Limited-Licence-Guide-CL-2024.pdf (accessed 19 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a Limited Licence if Police oppose?
It is possible. The judge decides on the evidence and the law.
What if Police have not replied?
A follow up call to the prosecution office can help, and you can speak to the prosecutor at court on the day.
Will my employer have to come to court?
Only if they are required to answer questions on their affidavit, which is more likely when the application is opposed.
We prepare Limited Licence documents. From $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 26 October 2026