Drink driving remains one of the most common offences before Queensland courts, and the consequences are often more serious than people expect. Whether it’s a first offence or a repeat charge, the law imposes strict penalties that can significantly affect your freedom, employment, and future.
Queensland’s Legal Alcohol Limits:
- Open licence holders: Maximum Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05.
- Learners, provisional drivers, and certain professional licence holders (e.g. taxi, truck, or bus drivers): Zero alcohol tolerance.
Types of Drink Driving Offences:
- Low range: 0.05 – 0.099 BAC
- Mid range: 0.10 – 0.149 BAC
- High range: 0.15 BAC and above
- Failing to provide a sample: Treated as a high-range offence
Mandatory Disqualification Periods:
Queensland law requires a loss of licence for drink driving. The length of disqualification depends on the reading and whether it’s a first or repeat offence:
- Low range (0.05 – 0.099 BAC): Minimum 1 month
- Mid range (0.10 – 0.149 BAC): Minimum 3 months
- High range (0.15 BAC or higher): Minimum 6 months
- Failing to provide a sample: Minimum 6 months
Even at the low range, losing your licence is mandatory and can have major consequences.
Work Licences and Special Hardship Orders:
Losing your licence can be devastating if you rely on driving for work or family responsibilities. The good news is that in some cases you may be eligible for:
- A work licence (restricted licence): This allows you to drive for work purposes during your disqualification period.
- A special hardship order: If you’ve lost all your demerit points or had a licence suspended due to high-speed driving, you may be able to keep driving under strict conditions.
Our firm has extensive experience preparing successful applications for both work licences and hardship orders. We guide you through the process, prepare the necessary affidavits, and represent you in court to give you the best chance of approval.
Penalties Beyond Disqualification:
Drink driving penalties vary depending on your BAC and record, but may include:
- Heavy fines
- Mandatory licence disqualification
- Alcohol education or rehabilitation programs
- Vehicle impoundment
- For repeat or high-range offences, imprisonment
Why Legal Help is Essential
A drink driving conviction can affect much more than just your licence. It can impact your employment, your ability to travel overseas, your insurance premiums, and your personal reputation.
At Christopher Hannay Legal Solutions, we represent clients across Queensland including the Gold Coast, Beaudesert, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and all regional areas. Our experienced criminal lawyers have successfully defended complex drug matters at every level, and we are committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
📞 0414 478 551 (24/7 Emergency)
📧 goldcoast@chlegalsolutions.com.au
Local Offices
📍 Southport: 13 Hicks Street, Southport QLD 4215 | 07 5666 5665
📍 Beaudesert: 2/30 William St, Beaudesert QLD 4285 | 07 5666 5660
We serve clients across the Gold Coast, Southport, Beaudesert and throughout Queensland. Contact us today.