Drink-driving limits in Tasmania (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Tasmania sets the limit at 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Learner and provisional licence holders may not drive with any alcohol in the body. Police may require any driver to take a breath test whether or not they suspect alcohol.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.05 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.00%: s 6(2) makes it an offence for a learner or provisional licence holder to drive with alcohol present in the body. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First offence at 0.15 or more: a fine of 5 to 30 penalty units, disqualification of 12 to 36 months and up to 12 months in prison. At 0.05 to under 0.10: 2 to 10 penalty units, 3 to 12 months' disqualification and up to 3 months in prison. Subsequent offences carry higher ranges. [1] |
Notes
- Section 6(3)(b) applies the zero rule to 'prescribed vehicles', but the list of those vehicles was not read.
- The value of a penalty unit in dollars was not read. Figures are from the section 17 table as read.
Sources
- Tasmanian Government: Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1970 (current version) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Tasmania
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and local roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h sealed, 80 km/h gravel
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1 May 2025 · 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 illicit drug present is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on Cracker Night (permit) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (permit holder)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent residency: convert within 6 months
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Registrar approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- MopedsLicence: Motor cycle licence (class R)
- 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 untouched; 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 · Minimum alarms and where: A smoke alarm in every hallway or corridor connected to bedrooms (or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home if there is no hallway). Multi-storey homes need an alarm on each level, including levels without bedrooms.
- 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.