Drink driving (court only in the ACT) in Australian Capital Territory: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)

Drink-driving is measured by blood or breath alcohol concentration, and the offence is graded into ranges, with the penalty rising as the reading climbs. Full licence holders are generally held to a set limit, while learner, provisional and certain professional drivers are required to have no alcohol present at all, so a reading that would be within limits for one driver can be an offence for another.

Enforcement combines random breath testing at set-up stops with roadside testing after a stop or a crash. How a matter is handled then varies sharply between jurisdictions: some states allow a lower-range reading to be dealt with by an on-the-spot infringement notice, sometimes still with an immediate licence loss attached, while others send every drink-driving matter to court no matter how low the reading. Higher ranges are almost always court matters wherever you are.

Because the consequences can include criminal penalties and disqualification, this is an area where the differences between states matter a great deal. This section is general information, not legal advice; if your licence or a possible charge is at stake, get advice from a qualified lawyer about your specific situation.