What is the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program?

The Traffic Offenders Intervention Program (TOIP) is designed to educate at-risk drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence, speeding, or other dangerous offences. 

Please note that the information below only applies to residents of New South Wales.

What are the objectives of the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program?

The program was designed with three main objectives in mind:

• To help offenders develop safer driving behaviour.
• To provide participants in the program with the information and skills needed to improve driving-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours.
• To assist offenders in understanding the seriousness of driving-related crimes.

How can I sign-up for the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program?

The Traffic Offenders Intervention Program is administered by local courts throughout New South Wales. Those who’ve committed a traffic offence, and wish to participate in the program, can have their lawyer forward an application. Depending on the nature of your offence, the court can also refer you to the program without a pre-existing application.

How can I take an approved course?

To receive credit for your program, you must complete a course that’s registered with, and approved by, your local court. These approved courses can be found at multiple locations throughout New South Wales.  For those living in areas without an approved course, a non-approved course may become eligible for credit.  Offenders referred to a TOIP program by the court will have their case adjourned until after the course is complete. 

Please note that you must register for the class before attending it. Offenders who choose not to do so will become ineligible for course credit.

Why do judges recommend offenders to the TOIP?

Participation in the program will be recommended when the court believes:

• The course is a fitting penalty for your crimes.
• Your completion of the program demonstrates an acceptable degree of remorse for your actions
• Those who participate in the TOIP are less likely to reoffend.

_{Why should I agree to participate in the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program?}

In cases involving drunk driving, the court may consider participation in an educational program a reason to reduce an offender’s sentence. Furthermore, by equipping you with the tools you need to avoid another incident, the TOIP helps you to become a better driver. In summary, taking this program benefits you, the court, and anyone else who may be put in danger by your bad behaviour.

Which course should I take?

The answer to this question changes depending on course availability and the location in which you live. Companies who currently administer approved courses include:

• PCYC
• Road Sense
• SAVE Traffic Offender Intervention Program
• Traffic Offenders Program
• Traffic Offenders Rehabilitation Program

The duration of these classes, along with the number of courses available, varies depending on your chosen provider.  While some courses can be completed over one or two days, others may require up to eight weeks.  Only a qualified lawyer can give you advice on what specific course is right for you.

What are the requirements for TOIP eligibility?

While some providers consider anyone with interest eligible, others only admit those referred by the court.  The TOIP program is most appropriate for someone who:

• Has committed a traffic offence in the past
• Has committed a driving offence and not been sentenced
• Is interested in becoming a better driver

Please visit the provider’s website to find out the eligibility criteria for any specific program.

What subjects are covered in a TOIP course?

Though topics covered vary across providers, most include information about:

• What exactly counts as dangerous road use
• Emergency services
• Legal consequences of unsafe driving behaviours
• The dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The effects your dangerous driving behaviour has on road trauma victims and their loved ones
• Ways in which you can improve your behaviour on the road

How much does the typical course cost?

While the cost varies, most courses cost between $150 to $200.

How did the TOIP start?

The program was first established through Part 4 of Chapter 7 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1986. Additional details can be found in Part 8 of the Criminal Procedure Regulations of 2010.

Disclaimer : This article is just a summary of the subject matter being discussed and should not be regarded as a comprehensive legal advice for you to defend yourself alone. If you are charged with criminal offences, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance from criminal lawyers.