(1)  Proceedings for a summary offence must be commenced –

(a) within 6 months after the time when the alleged offence occurred; or

(b) if a different period for the commencing of the proceedings is specified in, or determined under, this or any other Act, within that different period.

(2)  Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to –

(a) an offence that is taken to have been created a summary offence by reason of section 99 or 101 ; or

(b) an offence referred to in subsection (4) in the circumstances specified in that subsection.

(3)  Proceedings for a summary offence that is not also an indictable offence referred to in Schedule 1 or 2 may be commenced against a defendant within 12 months after the time when the alleged offence occurred if –

(a) the circumstances of the alleged offence may also give rise to an indictable offence; and

(b) the defendant has been charged with that indictable offence within the period of 6 months, or the other period, referred to in subsection (1) .

(4)  Proceedings for a summary offence that is not also an indictable offence referred to in Schedule 1 or 2 may be commenced against a defendant at any time if –

(a) the circumstances of the alleged offence may also give rise to an indictable offence; and

(b) the defendant has been charged with that indictable offence within the period of 6 months, or the different period, referred to in subsection (1) ; and

(c) the defendant has consented in writing to the commencement of the proceedings.