A Hobart court has heard all Tasmanian magistrates have disqualified themselves from hearing a negligent driving case involving the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tim Ellis.

Ellis this morning pleaded not guilty in the Hobart Magistrates Court to a charge of causing death by negligent driving.

He was travelling south on the Midland Highway when he crashed head-on with a car being driven by 27-year-old Natalia Pearn in March.

Ellis sustained serious leg injuries in the crash and has been off work since.

He walked into court using crutches, with a metal frame encasing his left leg.

Magistrate Michael Hill informed the court all Hobart magistrates have disqualified themselves from hearing the matter.

Mr Hill said moves were already underway to obtain an interstate magistrate.

But Ellis's legal team objected, saying they had identified at least five local magistrates who would have no grounds to disqualify themselves.

Prosecution case

Police allege Ellis caused Ms Pearn's death by negligent driving by failing to keep a proper lookout, exercise due care and attention, keep to the left side of the road and keep his vehicle from crossing to the wrong side of the road.

They also say he drove without reasonable consideration for other road users or passengers in his car.

High-profile Tasmanians prosecuted by Ellis were in court for the hearing.

Among them was former Police Commissioner Jack Johnston who was stripped searched during a failed attempt to prosecute him for allegedly disclosing state secrets.

The DPP is on leave from his $500,000 a year role.

The case will be back in court next month.