Charges
Low-range drink driving (PCA 0.05 to 0.079), first offence
Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) s 110(3); disqualification under s 205(2)(a)
What is the maximum penalty for low-range drink driving in NSW?
Maximum penalty. 20 penalty units for a first offence (30 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence). A penalty unit is $110 under Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 s 17, so 20 penalty units is $2,200. No term of imprisonment is provided for this subsection. Licence: on conviction for a first major offence the person is automatically disqualified for 6 months, and the court may order a shorter period but not shorter than 3 months (s 205(2)(a)).
A maximum is the ceiling the law sets for the worst category of case. It is not what a court is likely to impose, and it is not a prediction about any particular matter.
What the charge covers
This is the offence of driving, or attempting to put a vehicle in motion, with a blood or breath alcohol concentration in the low range. It also covers a full licence holder who supervises a learner driver while in that range. The prosecution does not have to prove bad driving, only the alcohol reading and that the person drove or attempted to drive.
Where these figures come from
Every figure on this page was taken from the legislation or the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, not from secondary summaries:
Legislation changes. Figures are general as at publication; confirm the current position with a lawyer.
This page is general information about NSW law, not legal advice about your matter. Whether a charge can be defended, and what a court is likely to do, depends on the evidence and the circumstances.
Related charges
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