Drink-driving limits in South Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: South Australian drink-driving rules could not be read from official sources, because the road safety and legislation websites refused automated access. No rule is verified.

RuleWhat applies
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.05 % blood alcohol [1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.00%: any concentration of alcohol is an offence for drivers of prescribed vehicles (over 15 tonnes gross mass, buses carrying more than 12 persons, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, vehicles carrying labelled dangerous substances) and for people not authorised to drive the vehicle. [1]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcoholYes [1]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcoholFor a category 3 offence (0.15 or more): first offence a fine of AUD 1,100 to AUD 1,600 and at least 12 months' disqualification; second offence AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,400 and at least 3 years; third or later AUD 1,900 to AUD 2,900 and at least 3 years. [1]

Notes

  • The official South Australian sites tried (legislation.sa.gov.au, mylicence.sa.gov.au, sa.gov.au, police.sa.gov.au) refused the request, so nothing has been confirmed.
  • The Act defines random testing powers as a police requirement for an alcotest, or a direction to stop for one, made other than in prescribed circumstances, and requires the officer to be in uniform and the vehicle to be marked or showing lights.
  • Categories: category 1 is under 0.08, category 2 is 0.08 to under 0.15 and category 3 is 0.15 or more. Lower categories carry lower fines and shorter minimum disqualifications.

Sources

  1. Government of South Australia (Legislation): Road Traffic Act 1961, version 1.1.2026 (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 March 2026; later amendments not checked) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in South Australia

  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; usually an expiation notice (fine) · Growing at home: Banned; small numbers expiable
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1977 · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (general use only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes for short-term visitors · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval (exemption) needed · Nature of the parental duty: School attendance
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence under s 21E (details not read)
  • MopedsLicence: Any SA licence
  • 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: Mounted, or used without touching; L/P1: none
  • 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.