What You Need to Know About Drink & Drug Driving Offences
If you have been caught drink or drug driving, you will most likely need to appear in Court. Regardless of this being a traffic offence, it is important for you to take this seriously as it can have an impact on your traffic record & future.
You are deemed to be breaking the law if you drive or are in charge of a vehicle (including cars, motorbikes, jet skis, boats, bicycles, skateboards and golf buggies), any detectable level of drug or over the prescribed level of alcohol relevant to your driver’s license class – despite whether you are driving or not.
In a saliva test, the following drugs can be detected which are classed as a relevant drug:
- THC (in cannabis)
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Cocaine
- Methylamphetamine (ICE)
What Are the Possible Consequences For Drink Driving?
Below are the maximum penalties applicable for a first-time drink driving offence:
| Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) | License Disqualification Period | Maximum Fine | Maximum Term of Imprisonment |
| Over 0.00, but under 0.05 BAC for learners & P1/P2 holders | 3 – 9 months | $2,167 | 3 months |
| 0.05 and over, but under 0.10 | 1 – 9 months | $2,167 | 3 months |
| 0.10 and over, but under 0.15 | 3 – 12 months | $3,096 | 6 months |
| 0.15 and over | Minimum 6 months | $3,096 | 9 months |
What Are the Possible Consequences For Drug Driving?
Below are the maximum penalties applicable for a first-time drug driving offence:
| Charge | Possible Consequence |
| Driving While Drugs Present in System | 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine payable |
| Driving Under the Influence of a Drug | 18 months imprisonment and/or a fine payable |
What Can PD Law Help With?
- Legal expertise & guidance
- Representation in Court
- Application for a Special Hardship License
- Application for a Work License
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a traffic offence, contact our team today.