Skip to content

Drug Driving

Drug driving continues to significantly contribute to the number of deaths on South Australian roads. Between 2012 and 2016, an average of 24% of drivers or riders killed on South Australian roads tested positive to THC (the active component in cannabis), methylamphetamine (speed, ice or crystal meth), MDMA (ecstasy) or a combination of these drugs.

The penalties associated with drug driving offences now include fines, licence disqualification, demerit points and imprisonment.

On 29 November 2017, the South Australian Parliament approved reforms to the Road Traffic Act 1961 which were implemented earlier this year. These reforms have introduced tough new drug driving penalties as well as altering the roadside drug testing procedures.

Drug Driving Expiation Notices:

If you are issued with an expiation notice for a first offence of Drug Driving, you will incur the existing “on the spot” fine (currently $587) along with 4 demerit points. You will also now be liable for a mandatory minimum licence disqualification for a period of three months.

It is imperative that you carefully assess your options and seek legal advice prior to paying your expiation notice. An experienced traffic lawyer can provide you with advice on potential defences available to a charge of drug driving.

If you elect to pay your expiation notice, the mandatory minimum licence disqualification period of three months will automatically be administratively enforced, regardless of your personal circumstances. There is NO right of appeal against the disqualification period. If you receive a Summons for Drug Driving, the penalty for a first offence if you are convicted by the court is now a mandatory minimum licence disqualification for a period of six months.

The penalties increase for subsequent offending.

For information on the Court process please visit here.

Refusal or failure to undertake a drug screening test

It is an offence to refuse or fail to undertake a drug screening test. The penalties for refusal or failure to undertake a drug screening test, oral fluid analysis or blood test have also increased:

  • For a first offence the mandatory minimum licence disqualification period will increase from six months to twelve months.
  • For all subsequent offences the mandatory minimum licence disqualification period will increase two years to three years.

Drug Driving with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle

If you commit a drug driving offence with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offence, you will not be reissued with your licence until you demonstrate you are not dependent on drugs. You will be required to pass a dependency assessment at the end of the disqualification period before being reissued with your licence.

Furthermore, if you are caught driving unlicensed and were required to show that you are not dependent on drugs, you will face a mandatory minimum licence disqualification period of three years, as well as fine of up to $5,000 or one year imprisonment.

If you are charged with a drug driving offence, it is imperative that you seek legal advice to be advised of your options as you may wish to challenge the charges. This is a complex area of law and will require technical and specialist legal advice. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.

Testimonials

It doesn't cost you anything to know where you stand

*Please note: Websters lawyers is a South Australian based law firm, handling matters exclusive to South Australia, with offices located in Adelaide, Ridgehaven, Smithfield and Christies Beach.

Subpage form
What is the best time to call you?
Scroll To Top