How Long Will I Lose My Licence for Drink Driving?

It will depend on your Blood Alcohol Concentration and your prior driving history.

One of the most common questions after a drink driving charge in Queensland is: “Will I lose my licence?” The answer is almost always yes—but the length of a drink driving disqualification varies depending on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and your prior driving history.

In Queensland, drink driving offences are divided into three categories based on BAC levels: low range (0.05 to 0.099), mid-range (0.10 to 0.149), and high range (0.15 and above).

For low-range drink driving, if it’s your first offence, the minimum licence disqualification period is 1 month, although courts may impose longer periods depending on the circumstances.

Mid-range drink driving offences typically result in a 3 to 6-month disqualification. Courts may consider factors such as the presence of passengers, time of day, and your driving record when determining the exact period.

High-range drink driving offences are treated more seriously. A first offence may result in a licence disqualification of 6 months or longer. Repeat offences—especially high-range ones—attract much harsher penalties.

If you have had a previous drink driving conviction within the past five years, the mandatory minimum disqualification periods increase significantly. For example, a second high-range offence could see your licence disqualified for at least 12 months, or more, at the discretion of the court.

Importantly, Queensland law mandates a term of imprisonment for anyone who commits three high-range drink driving offences within five years. This reflects how seriously repeat offending is treated.

Ultimately, the court has discretion to go beyond the minimum penalties based on the specifics of the offence. Legal advice is strongly recommended, as a solicitor can help you navigate the court process and potentially reduce the severity of the disqualification.

Authors:

Tom Gardiner
Principal

Jiabei Qi
Solicitor

This article is of a general nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you require further information, advice or assistance for your specific circumstances, please contact the Fisher Dore team.

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