Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act
The following table gives examples of offences and the maximum penalties (fine or years of imprisonment) that apply under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
There are often higher maximum penalties for offenders who have been convicted of other traffic offences within the preceding five years.
The general alcohol limit is 0.050g or more of alcohol in 210L of breath. The middle limit is 0.100g or more and the high limit is 0.150g or more.
Maximum penalty | Offences |
|---|---|
14 penalty units or 3 months | Drive (or attempt to put in motion/be in charge of) a motor vehicle or vessel while over the general, but not over the middle, alcohol limit Drive (or attempt to put in motion/be in charge of) a motor vehicle or vessel while a relevant drug is present in blood or saliva |
20 penalty units or 6 months | Drive (or attempt to put in motion/be in charge of) a motor vehicle or vessel while over middle, but not over high, alcohol limit |
40 penalty units or 6 months | Failing to provide specimen (of breath, saliva or in some circumstances, blood) as required Driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place Racing and speed trials on roads (organising, promoting or taking part in) |
28 penalty units or 9 months | Drive (or attempt to put in motion/be in charge of) a motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of liquor (over the high alcohol limit) or a drug |
40 penalty units or 12 months | Unlicensed driving |
80 penalty units or 12 months | Driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, causing death of or grievous bodily harm to another person |
160 penalty units or 2 years | As above (due care causing death etc) but offender was also an unlicensed driver (penalty doubled) |
60 penalty units or 18 months | Driving while disqualified by any court order from holding or obtaining a driver licence |
If a person dies/suffers grievous bodily harm: Otherwise: | Driver of a vehicle/tram/animal on a road, or motor vehicle other than on a road, involved in an incident resulting in injury/death, does not:
|
What is a penalty unit?
Maximum fines are expressed as set numbers of penalty units. Each penalty unit is worth a set number of dollars and cents. The amount of a penalty unit is adjusted each financial year in line with inflation. Find out the current penalty unit value.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice and has been prepared for the purposes of providing information only. While all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this information, no liability is assumed for any errors or omissions.