Speeding fines and demerit points in New Zealand
A speeding outcome depends on how far over, how it was detected and the applicable limit. Officer-detected offences can carry a fine and demerit points. Speed-camera offences do not carry demerit points, although the fee remains. Police can impose an immediate 28-day suspension for more than 40km/h over a permanent limit or more than 50km/h over a temporary limit; very high speed can also lead to charges.
“A speeding ticket” is not one uniform penalty. The posted limit may be permanent or temporary, the recorded excess falls into an official band, and an officer-detected offence is treated differently from a camera notice for demerit purposes.
Read the five facts on the notice
Check the vehicle or driver named, location, date and time, applicable limit, and alleged speed. Then identify the issuing authority and response deadline. If any factual detail is wrong, keep evidence and use the notice's official contact route; do not edit a name or nominate someone informally.
NZTA publishes the current infringement fees and demerit points by speed band. Link your page or advice to that live table rather than copying an old screenshot, since regulations can change.
Camera and officer detection
NZTA says speed-camera offences do not carry demerit points. The notice still requires payment or a timely challenge. When Police detect the driver, the applicable band can include demerits as well as the monetary consequence.
That distinction also explains why a registered person may receive a camera notice while demerit points are driver-specific. Follow the official statutory process if the named person or control of the vehicle is disputed.
Immediate suspension is separate
For officer-detected speed more than 40km/h above a permanent posted limit, or more than 50km/h above a temporary limit, Police can impose an immediate 28-day roadside suspension. That is not the same as accumulating 100 demerit points, and it is not resolved merely by paying an infringement.
Do not drive during a served suspension while waiting for another letter, payment receipt or court date. A pending dispute does not itself create permission to drive. Read the suspension notice and obtain legal advice if its effect is unclear.
Temporary limits count
A temporary speed limit at roadworks is an enforceable limit, not a suggestion tied to whether a worker is visible. Look for the start, changed lane environment and end instruction. The higher immediate-suspension threshold for a temporary limit does not make lower excess speeds lawful.
Use the fine guide to identify who currently holds the notice, and the demerit guide to calculate the licensing risk separately from the amount owed.
Frequently asked questions
Do NZ speed cameras give demerit points?
Can Police suspend my licence at the roadside for speeding?
Is the fine based on my speedometer reading?
How do I challenge a speeding notice?
Sources and verification
- NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Speeding, checked 2026-08-12.
- NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Demerit points, checked 2026-08-12.
Checked against the sources above. If something has changed, tell us.