Drink-driving limits in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Australia has no national drink-driving law: each state and territory sets its own limits and penalties. No national values are shown here. See the state and territory pages where available.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Drink-driving limits, testing and penalties are set by each state and territory. There is no national rule to show here.
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Under 0.05% | 0.00% (zero) | Under 0.02% | Yes, any time | High range: AUD 3,300, 18 months (first) |
| Victoria | 0.05% | 0.00% (zero) | 0.00% (zero) | Yes, at any time | First: 20 penalty units; repeat: up to 18 months |
| Queensland | Under 0.05% | 0.00% (zero) | 0.00% (zero) | Yes, any driver | 0.15%+: AUD 6,908 and 9 months (first) |
| South Australia | 0.05% | ⚠ Not yet verified | 0.00% (zero) | Yes, random testing | 0.15%+: AUD 1,100-1,600 (first) |
| Tasmania | 0.05% | 0.00% (zero) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Yes, any driver | 0.15%+: 30 penalty units, 12 months (first) |
| Australian Capital Territory | 0.05% | 0.00% (zero) | 0.00% (zero) | Yes, any driver | 0.15%+: AUD 12,000 and 9 months (first) |
| Northern Territory | 0.05% (low range) | 0.00% (zero) | 0.00% (zero) | Yes, no suspicion needed | High range: 10 penalty units or 12 months (first) |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.