Drink-driving limits in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Victoria sets the limit at 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Drivers without a full licence and drivers of heavy vehicles and buses must have zero alcohol. Police may require any driver to take a preliminary breath test at any time. A first offence at the general level carries a fine of up to 20 penalty units.

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%: s 52 applies to a person driving without holding a full driver licence (for example learner and probationary licences). [1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.00%: s 52(1A) applies to a person driving or in charge of a heavy vehicle or bus. [1]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcoholYes [1]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcoholDriving with the prescribed concentration of alcohol (s 49(1)(b)): first offence a fine of up to 20 penalty units; second offence up to 60 penalty units or 6 months in prison (120 penalty units or 12 months at 0.15 or more); later offences up to 120 or 180 penalty units, or 12 or 18 months. Licence consequences are not covered here. [1]

Notes

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

Sources

  1. Victorian Government: Road Safety Act 1986 (version 237, in force from 30 September 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • 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/built-in only; L/P: 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: One per level, plus by 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

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