In Australia, being caught driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances can land you the heaviest penalties there are. It not only threatens your life but the lives of other road users too. When charged, you will have to pay an on-the-spot fine of $707 and you may, in most cases, have to report to a court. Although the laws are a bit different in the states and territories, the penalties are harsh across the country.
Drink driving is operating a vehicle when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the permitted legal limit. It is 0.05 BAC for most fully licensed drivers, while learner and provisional drivers have a zero limit. Drug driving also includes illicit drugs, prescription medications that impair your driving or any other drugs that are picked up in roadside saliva or blood tests. Random breath and drug tests are conducted by the police all over the country.
Consequences and Penalties
Depending on where you are, really minor infractions like low-range offences can get you an on-the-spot charge of $707. Even worse, high range BAC offenders or those who repeat offences will get a court summons. There you will get penalties like:
- Suspension or disqualification of your licence for a couple of months or years
- Alcohol or drug rehabilitation programs of your offenders
- Criminal records for offences, which will impact your employment
- Serious case fines that will reach thousands of dollars
- Repeat offenders receive longer flowing bans and risk imprisonment.
How Court Action Works
You will receive a notice with the address and date of your hearing as well as the court location. The magistrate will look at the BAC level and driving history and take into consideration portions of the driving history or case history that may aggravate the outcome, such as crashes or other dangerous driving behaviour. You may want to hire a traffic lawyer to defend you, if you want. They may help you get a conviction that is not a lot worse than the offence.
The court can legally expect to receive licence suspension and fines. They can expect to get probation, alcohol interlock devices to perform, and interlock devices to perform.
Avoiding Offences
The best way to avoid fines and penalties is to plan. If you are drinking, make arrangements for a designated driver or take public transport. Know the possible side effects of medications you take before getting behind the wheel, and avoid illegal drugs if you plan to drive. Staying legal saves you money and could also save a life.
Very Short Data Table – Key Facts
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| On-the-spot fine amount | $707 |
| Legal BAC for full licence | 0.05 |
| Legal BAC for learner/Ps | 0.00 |
The Importance of Public Awareness
The police and the road safety authorities run campaigns that remind drivers of the dangers of drink and drug driving. Public awareness is most important during high-risk periods like holidays and weekends. Avoiding accidents is a result of every driver’s choice, and choosing safety benefits all.
FAQs
Q1. Can I contest a $707 fine?
Yes, but you must request a court hearing before the due date on your fine notice.
Q2. Will a drink driving conviction affect my job?
It can, especially in roles where driving is required or for a clean criminal record.
Q3. Do random roadside tests happen at night only?
No, they can happen at any time and any place in Australia.
