Drug Driving

Drug Driving

It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle, or attempt to put a motor vehicle in motion, whilst having prescribed drugs in your system. Upon receiving a positive roadside result, Police have the authority to conduct mandatory full saliva tests or blood tests. If positive readings are confirmed by laboratory analysis, charges can be laid.

How you will receive notice of this charge:  Provided you are not arrested, you will receive a court summons to appear in the Magistrates Court of South Australia.

Penalties for this charge: Maximum penalties differ depending on previous offences. You will receive at least a $900 fine, a 3-month licence disqualification and 4 demerit points for a first offence; a $1200 fine, a 6-month licence disqualification and 4 demerit points for a second offence; and an $1800 fine, a 12-month licence disqualification and 4 demerit points for a third offence.

Things to consider: The decision to plead guilty or not can come with severe implications and, in some cases, negotiation of lesser penalties can be sought. Seeking legal advice first is always recommended.