Queensland parliament passes harsher drug and drink driving penalties
The Queensland parliament has passed legislation doubling penalties for drink and drug driving to address a 35% increase in road fatalities since 2019. Starting in December, offenders face fines up to $4,835 and mandatory license suspension for detecting substances like methamphetamine or THC.
Why it matters
This legislative change reflects a government effort to curb rising road trauma through stricter enforcement and deterrents.
Penalties for drink and drug drivers have been doubled under new laws. ( ABC News: Elizabeth Pickering )
Increased penalties for drink and drug drivers have been passed through Queensland parliament.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg says the reforms aim to improve road safety.
From December, a motorist with the presence of methamphetamine, cocaine or cannabis in their saliva will face a fine of up to $4,835 and a loss of licence for at least two months.
Link copied Share Share article Drivers with a drug present in their blood or saliva will face higher fines under new laws passed in the Queensland parliament.
From December, penalties for drug driving and combined drink-and-drug driving offences will increase.
The state government had said these reforms were an evidence-based response to rising road trauma and were informed by experts, crash data, and enforcement trends.
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