Cullen Lawyers Cullen Lawyers

Drink Driving Lawyers Brisbane

Drink Driving (also called Driving Under the Influence or DUI) is one of the most serious offences a driver can be charged with in Queensland. There is a mandatory requirement for a licence to be disqualified for a stipulated period

You’ll be able to apply for a work licence (there are conditions attached – please see our section on Work Licence Applications) if you:

  • held an open licence at the time of the offence
  • are charged with low or mid-range drink driving
  • had no suspension of your licence in the last 5 years

It’s an offence to refuse or fail to give a specimen of your breath for analysis. If you refuse, you’ll automatically be charged with a high range DUI.

After a disqualification period, you’ll need to reapply for your licence. This will be a probationary licence for 1 year, which means that:

  • You have only 4 demerit points
  • You have a no alcohol limit

The table below outlines the penalties involved with drink driving offences.

Queensland Drink Driving Limits Table

Alcohol Limits Penalties for first time offenders
No Alcohol Limit
0.00* See list of licences and drivers affected at the bottom of the table		 Over the No Alcohol Limit = 0.001 +

  • Maximum fine $1,400 and/or 3 months’ imprisonment; and
  • Mandatory disqualification of 3 months with a maximum of 9 months
  • An interlock device fitted to your vehicle for one year after the disqualification period for a second drink driving charge in 5 years

 
General Alcohol Limit
0.001 – 0.049Open licence		 Over the General Alcohol Limit = 0.05 – 0.099

  • Maximum fine $1,400 and/or 3 months’ imprisonment; and
  • Mandatory disqualification of 1 month with maximum of 9 months
  • An interlock device fitted to your vehicle for one year after the disqualification period for a second drink driving charge in 5 years
Middle Alcohol Limit
0.05 – 0.099Open licence		 Over the Middle Alcohol Limit = 0.1 – 0.149

  • Maximum fine $1,400 and/or 3 months’ imprisonment; and
  • Mandatory disqualification of 3 months with maximum of 12 months
  • An interlock device fitted to your vehicle for one year after the disqualification period for a second drink driving charge in 5 years
High Alcohol Limit
0.1 – 0.149Open licence		 Over the High Alcohol Limit = 0.15 +

  • Maximum fine $2,100 and/or 9 months’ imprisonment; and
  • Mandatory disqualification of 6 months with a maximum of absolute disqualification
  • An interlock device fitted to your vehicle for one year after the disqualification period for a second drink driving charge in 5 years
 

* List for No Alcohol Limit

Licences: Learner, P1, P2, RE Motorcycle (first year)

Drivers: Truck (GVM over 4.5t), Bus (13 + adults), Articulated motor vehicle,
B-double, Road train, Vehicle carrying dangerous goods, Taxi, Limousine,
Tow truck, Pilot vehicle, Public passenger vehicle or a vehicle while it is being used by a driver trainer to give driver training

Why should I choose Cullen Lawyers to act on my behalf?

The attitude to drink driving in Queensland Courts has hardened considerably in recent years. The consequences and penalties are just too heavy to consider going to court without a lawyer to represent you.

When arguing your case to the judge, we know what to say and how to say it. Engaging Cullen lawyers will mean that you have the best possible opportunity to receive the minimum fine and disqualification period.

Contact Us