Is the caution automatic if I have a clean record?

No — it's discretionary. Revenue NSW assesses each request on the facts. A clean record makes it likely; you still have to ask.

What counts as 'clean'?

Generally: no demerit-point offences, no licence suspensions, no convictions in the past 10 years. Minor parking infringements typically don't disqualify but cite them transparently.

Can I use the caution path more than once?

It's intended for first-occurrence relief. Subsequent requests within the 10-year window are usually declined.

10-year clean record caution NSW: do you qualify?

Published 2026-05-07 · 5 min read

TL;DR

If your NSW driving record has been clean for 10 years and the offence isn't excluded (no drink/drug/dangerous driving), the NSW Internal Review Guidelines support a caution: fine cancelled, no demerit points. Print your driving record from Service NSW (free), attach it to your §24A submission, ask explicitly for the caution discretion.

If your fine looks like this:

Any first-time NSW infringement, except drink/drug/dangerous driving and a small list of excluded high-risk offences. Speed, mobile phone, seatbelt, red light, parking — all eligible.

Step-by-step

Print your driving record
Log in to Service NSW → Driver licence → Driving record. The full transaction history is free. Save the PDF.
Confirm the 10-year window is clean
Look for any prior offences, suspensions, or licence cancellations in the last 10 years. A single past minor fine doesn't always disqualify, but it weakens the argument.
Lodge a §24A internal review
Service NSW → Request a review for a fine. In the review request, explicitly ask for the caution discretion under the Internal Review Guidelines. Attach the driving record print.
Wait for the decision
Revenue NSW will write back. If the caution is granted: fine is cancelled, no demerit points are recorded.

Primary sources

Common questions

Is the caution automatic if I have a clean record?: No — it's discretionary. Revenue NSW assesses each request on the facts. A clean record makes it likely; you still have to ask.
What counts as 'clean'?: Generally: no demerit-point offences, no licence suspensions, no convictions in the past 10 years. Minor parking infringements typically don't disqualify but cite them transparently.
Can I use the caution path more than once?: It's intended for first-occurrence relief. Subsequent requests within the 10-year window are usually declined.

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