Driving after drugs in South Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Driving with methylamphetamine, THC, MDMA or cocaine in oral fluid or blood is an offence in South Australia, with a roadside drug screening test. Current fee amounts were not confirmed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug use | Any use is an offence [1] |
| THC thresholdDriving a car after drug use | THC is one of four prescribed drugs; having it in oral fluid or blood is an offence and the page gives no numeric limit. [1] |
| Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug use | Same limits apply [2] |
| Police screening testDriving a car after drug use | Yes [1] |
| Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug use | First offence: fine of AUD 900 to 1,300 and disqualification for at least 6 months. Second offence: AUD 1,100 to 1,600 and at least 12 months. Third or subsequent offence: AUD 1,500 to 2,200 and at least 2 years (at least 3 years for a subsequent offence). [2] |
Notes
- From an Internet Archive snapshot of 3 March 2026 of the My Licence offences page (live page blocked, HTTP 403). The offence is driving with a prescribed drug (methylamphetamine, THC, MDMA or cocaine) in oral fluid or blood.
- Section 47BA of the Road Traffic Act 1961 has one defence: the driver did not knowingly consume the prescribed drug. It contains no exception for prescribed medicines. Read in an Internet Archive snapshot of 21 March 2026 of version 1.1.2026.
- Penalties are those in section 47BA(1) of version 1.1.2026 of the Act (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 March 2026). The court must disqualify the driver; for a first offence it may go below 6 months, but not below 1 month, only if the offence is trifling. An expiation fee may apply instead of court proceedings.
Sources
- Government of South Australia (My Licence): My Licence - Road rules - Offences and Penalties (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 March 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of South Australia (Legislation): Road Traffic Act 1961, version 1.1.2026 (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 March 2026) (consulted 15 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
- 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
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05%
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.