Driving after drugs in Western Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Having cannabis, ecstasy, methamphetamine or cocaine in oral fluid or blood is an offence in Western Australia, found by a roadside swab test. A first offence carries a fine of up to AUD 1,250 and 3 demerit points.
| 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 | Cannabis is a specified drug; 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 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Police screening testDriving a car after drug use | Yes [1] |
| Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug use | First offence: fine of up to AUD 1,250 and 3 demerit points; second or later offence: AUD 1,250 to 2,000 and at least 6 months' disqualification. A positive roadside test brings a 24-hour driving ban. [1] |
Notes
- The offence is having a specified drug (cannabis, ecstasy, methamphetamine or cocaine) in oral fluid or blood; the page does not use the words 'zero tolerance'.
- The page read refers to prescription medicines affecting driving but does not say whether prescribed THC is an exception to the specified-drug offence.
Sources
- Road Safety Commission (Western Australia): Drink and drug driving (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Western Australia
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Containers for Change · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules, 16+ · Minimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months
- Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
- MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA 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 not touched
- 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, on rent or hire
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.