Driving after drugs in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Drug driving is regulated by each Australian state and territory, not by one national rule. No national value could be confirmed from an official source, so nothing is stated for Australia as a whole.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| THC thresholdDriving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Police screening testDriving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Drug-driving offences, the substances tested, the prescribed-medicine position, roadside testing powers and penalties are set by each state and territory. No Commonwealth or uniform national rule was found, and no value is given for Australia as a whole.
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Approach to cannabis (THC) | THC threshold | Prescribed medicines | Police screening test | Main sanctions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Any trace is an offence | Any active THC | No exception for THC | Roadside saliva test | AUD 722 notice or court up to AUD 2,200 |
| Victoria | Any amount of THC is an offence | Any amount of THC | No defence; court may not cancel | Roadside saliva test | 3 penalty units notice; court up to 12 |
| Queensland | Zero tolerance | Any trace of THC | ⚠ Not yet verified | Roadside saliva test | Fine up to AUD 2,417; ban 1-9 months |
| Western Australia | Specified drug in system is an offence | Any cannabis detected | ⚠ Not yet verified | Roadside swab test | Fine up to AUD 1,250, 3 points |
| South Australia | Prescribed drug in system is an offence | Any THC detected | No exception in the offence | Drug screening test | First offence: AUD 900-1,300; ban 6+ months |
| Tasmania | Prescribed illicit drug present is an offence | Any THC present | No offence if obtained under Poisons Act | Roadside oral fluid test | Fine 2-10 penalty units, ban 3-12 months |
| Australian Capital Territory | Prescribed drug in system is an offence | Any THC present | No exception in the offence | Roadside drug screening test | Up to 25 penalty units (first) |
| Northern Territory | Prohibited drug in body is an offence | Any THC detected | No exception for THC | Roadside saliva test | AUD 400 notice; court 5 penalty units |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.