Lois Elva Petford, 80, of Kulnurra, Sofala Road, Wattle Flat, appeared in person and unrepresented before magistrate Kevin Hockey.

Petford told the court she has fibrosis in her lung. She also told the court she thought the car was registered at the time she drove it.

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However, Mr Hockey said: "You knew it wasn't registered. You've been stopped three times."

Petford then told the court she can't afford taxis and can't walk.

But Mr Hockey said she can't use a car which is not registered. He warned her if she keeps going, the fines will get significantly higher.

Petford then asked the court if she could do community service, but Mr Hockey said it was not an option. He said a fine was the only avenue the court could take.

Police facts tendered to the court told how police were patrolling Keppel Street on December 5, 2020 when they noticed a Kia Carnival with expired registration travelling east before turning right on Seymour Street.

The car's registration had expired on November 1, 2019 and was cancelled on February 3, 2020.

Police activated all warning devices on their car, and the vehicle came to a stop.

Police got out and spoke to the driver, informing Petford the conversation and all actions were being recorded by both the in-car video system and the officer's body-worn camera.

She was asked if she was the owner of the vehicle and she said she was, according to the police facts.

When asked why she was driving it, as the rego was cancelled, she said she knew that and she planned to get it registered, according to the police facts.

A roadside breath test produced a negative result and Petford produced her driver's licence for police.

Checks showed Petford had been stopped on three occasions since December 15, 2019, being within a 12-month period, for the offences of using an unregistered vehicle and uninsured motor vehicle, for which she received infringement notices.

Police issued her with a Field Court Attendance Notice and the rego plates were removed from the vehicle and returned to Roads and Maritime Services.

Mr Hockey convicted Petford on each matter, fining her $300 on each charge.