Driving after drugs in Tasmania (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Driving with a prescribed illicit drug, including THC, in blood or oral fluid is an offence in Tasmania unless it was obtained and administered under the Poisons Act 1971. A first offence carries 2 to 10 penalty units and 3 to 12 months' disqualification.

RuleWhat applies
Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug useAny use is an offence [1]
THC thresholdDriving a car after drug useDelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a prescribed illicit drug; its presence in blood or oral fluid is an offence and no numeric limit is set. [2]
Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug useException for prescribed medicine [1]
Police screening testDriving a car after drug useYes [1]
Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug useFirst offence under section 6A(1): fine of 2 to 10 penalty units, disqualification of 3 to 12 months and imprisonment of up to 3 months. [1]

Notes

  • There is no offence if the drug was obtained and administered in accordance with the Poisons Act 1971.

Sources

  1. Tasmanian Government (Tasmanian Legislation Online): Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1970 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Tasmanian Government (Tasmanian Legislation Online): Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Regulations 2018 (consulted 13 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
  • 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
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · 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.