Drink Driving Penalties in NSW
The penalties for drink driving offences in NSW are severe and in most cases, drink driving charges result in the driver’s license being suspended for a period of no less than 6 months and a fine of no less than $1100.
Drink Driving Penalties in NSW are based on a number of factors including:
- The prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) in the driver’s blood
- Whether the driver has been charged for drink driving previously
In some cases, such as with repeat high range PCA offenders, the penalty for drink driving may also include a prison sentence.
Drink Driving Penalties NSW - Details
The table below outlines the specific drink driving penalties in NSW for the levels of PCA.
|
|
|
Disqualification Period
|
| Charge |
Fine |
Prison Sentence* |
Minimum |
Maximum |
| Novice Range PCA |
1st Offence |
$1100 |
nil |
3 months |
6 months |
| |
2nd or More |
$2200 |
nil |
6 months |
unlimited |
| |
| Special Range PCA |
1st Offence |
$1100 |
nil |
3 months |
6 months |
| |
2nd or More |
$2200 |
nil |
6 months |
unlimited |
| |
| Low Range PCA |
1st Offence |
$1100 |
nil |
3 months |
6 months |
| |
2nd or More |
$2200 |
nil |
6 months |
unlimited |
| |
| Mid Range PCA |
1st Offence |
$2200 |
9 months |
3 months |
unlimited |
| |
2nd or More |
$3300 |
12 months |
12 months |
unlimited |
| |
| High Range PCA |
1st Offence |
$3300 |
18 months |
12 months |
unlimited |
| |
2nd or More |
$5500 |
24 months |
24 months |
unlimited |
*refers to the maximum prison term for each drink driving charge.
Drink Driving Penalties NSW - Section 10
In NSW, the court may grant a driver a Section 10 (S10) penalty – similar to a Good Behaviour Bond with no record of conviction. It is generally accepted that a first time drink driving offence by a person who has no prior criminal convictions for anything else and a reasonably good traffic record with a low alcohol reading are good candidates for a S10.
For more information about obtaining a Section 10 result, click here or contact LAC Lawyers on 1300 799 888.
Drink Driving Lawyers
LAC Lawyers have a team of lawyers with the experience in drink driving cases that you need to get the best outcome.
