Drink-driving limits in the Northern Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: The Northern Territory treats 0.05% blood alcohol as the lowest offence level (low range, 0.05 to under 0.08). Drivers under 18, learner and provisional drivers, heavy vehicle and commercial passenger drivers, and new drivers under 25 may have no alcohol. Police may direct any driver to pull over for a breath test without suspicion.

RuleWhat applies
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.05 % blood alcohol [1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.00%: drivers under 18, learner licence holders and provisional licence holders (and unlicensed drivers) may not drive with alcohol in the breath or blood. [1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.00%: drivers of vehicles over 15 tonnes GVM, vehicles carrying dangerous goods, commercial passenger vehicles and vehicles seating or carrying more than 12 people; also drivers under 25 who have held a licence for less than 3 years. Subject to the Regulations. [1]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcoholYes [1]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcoholHigh range driving (s 21): first offence up to 10 penalty units or 12 months in prison; second or later offence up to 20 penalty units or 12 months. Low range (s 23): first offence up to 5 penalty units or 3 months. Licence disqualification is not covered here. [1]

Notes

  • The value of a penalty unit in dollars was not read.

Sources

  1. Northern Territory Government: Traffic Act 1987 (as in force at 10 February 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Northern Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Hire e-scooters only (Beam) · Minimum age: 18 (hire e-scooters)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; up to 50 g may get an infringement notice · Growing at home: Banned; up to 2 plants may get a notice
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 60 km/h (many towns 50 km/h or less) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 years 6 months (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prohibited drug in body is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on 1 July (Territory Day) only · Minimum age to buy: 18+
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, for up to 3 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or approval
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick, butterfly and sheath-concealed knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 16 · Licence: Class R (VM: moped only)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hand-held banned; L/P: any phone
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.