Driving after drugs in Northern Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Driving with a prohibited drug, including THC, in the body is an offence in the Northern Territory, found by a roadside saliva test. A first offence is an AUD 400 notice or a court fine of 5 penalty units.

RuleWhat applies
Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug useAny use is an offence [1]
THC thresholdDriving a car after drug useTHC is among the prohibited drugs identified by the roadside saliva test; the page gives no numeric limit. [2]
Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug useSame limits apply [3]
Police screening testDriving a car after drug useYes [2]
Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug useFirst offence: AUD 400 traffic infringement notice or a court fine of 5 penalty units and up to 3 months' imprisonment. Second offence: at least 3 months' disqualification, a court fine of 7.5 penalty units and up to 6 months' imprisonment. [1]

Notes

  • Section 29 of the Traffic Act 1987 gives a defence for drugs taken under a doctor's treatment only for the drugs listed in Part B of Schedule 1A to the Traffic Regulations 1999 (morphine, methadone, amphetamine). THC is listed in Part A, to which the defence does not apply.

Sources

  1. Northern Territory Government: Drug driving penalties | NT.GOV.AU (Internet Archive snapshot of 15 December 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Northern Territory Government: Alcohol, drugs and driving | NT.GOV.AU (Internet Archive snapshot of 14 April 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Northern Territory Government (Legislation): Traffic Act 1987 (as in force at 10 February 2026) (consulted 15 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
  • 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
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (low range) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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