Drink Driving

Drink Driving or exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA)

This means you will have given a reading greater than .05%. Even if this is a first-time offence, you will face a loss of licence for at least 3 months. This can be increased to 6 months if your reading was 0.8% or higher and to 12 months if it exceeded 0.15%. Fines will also apply. Penalties for this charge:

For a first offence category 1 the minimum 05 to 0.079%

• On-the-spot fine
• Fine of $900 to $1300.
• 4 demerit points.
• Higher penalties apply for second or subsequent offences

For a first offence category 2 blood alcohol concentration 0.08 to 0.149%

• Mandatory licence disqualification of a minimum of 6 months.
• Fine of $1100 to $1600.
• 5 demerit points.
• Receipt of an on the spot licence disqualification (ILOL) by the police.
• Higher penalties apply for second or subsequent offences

For a first offence category 3 blood alcohol concentration 0.150 or above

• Blood alcohol concentration 0.150 or above.
• Mandatory licence disqualification of a minimum of 12 months.
• Fine of $1500 to $2200.
• 6 demerit points.
• Higher penalties apply for second or subsequent offences.

You will be handed an on the spot fine by police at the time of being pulled over. For a category 2 or 3 offence, you will also receive a summons to attend court unless you are arrested, at which time you will be given a date by the police or the court when you are bailed.

Things to consider: Drink driving is a very technical area of law that requires professional legal support. Make notes of everything you remember from the incident and get in touch with us as soon as you can.