Zac Amey: Tweed Heads South man’s disqualified licence confusion

A man from the border of NSW and Queensland has been busted driving a vehicle during his disqualification period claiming ‘confusion’ over state road laws.

A young North Coast man known to police has found himself “confused” with the law after driving with an alleged Queensland licence in New South Wales.

Zac Amey, 31, faced Tweed Heads Local Court after he breached his community corrections order for existing traffic offences and pleaded guilty to driving with a disqualified licence.

On September 12, the court heard Amey had become confused as to whether he could drive with a Queensland licence despite having his licence disqualified in NSW.

Police facts state they observed Amey driving in a white Holden Cruze with a NSW number plate travelling northbound on Wharf St, Tweed Heads.

Amey, who was known to police for having his licence suspended, was asked to present his licence, to which Amey said he didn’t have it on him.

Amey then told police he had a Queensland driver’s licence after attending the Department of Transport and Main Roads, but was unable to produce any evidence confirming this.

Court documents reveal Amey has had 109 court appearances in NSW and Queensland some for traffic-related offences including unregistered and uninsured motor vehicles.

Checks on the NSW RMS system revealed the accused had a disqualified licence from May 4 2022 until November 4 2022.

Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy said Amey needed to keep track of his legal obligations.

“Ultimately, there is one law that everyone knows and that is that ignorance of the law is no excuse,” Mr Dunlevy said.

“Every state and territory in Australia recognises that if you’ve lost your licence - it’s across the board.”

Mr Dunlevy acknowledged Amey’s high probability of rehabilitation, noting his previous work history as a foreman and his active role in supporting his ex-partner and their children.

Mr Dunlevy convicted Amey and imposed a community corrections order for 12 months and disqualification of his licence for six months.

Originally published as Zac Amey: Tweed Heads South man’s disqualified licence confusion