You lapse, you lose

If you’ve had a drink or two and only think you’re OK to drive, that’s a lapse. And on the road, you lapse? You lose. Drink driving carries hefty penalties, but it could cost you so much more. The answer? Just don’t drink and drive.

The low-down on drink driving

Alcohol BAC limits by licence type

In Queensland, Learner, Provisional and Probationary Licence holders are not permitted to drive after drinking any alcohol. They must have a zero blood/breath alcohol concentration (0.0 BAC) limit.

Open licence holders must have a BAC lower than 0.05. The same applies for supervisors of car and motorcycle learner drivers.

The following licence holders must also maintain a zero BAC when driving:

  • any vehicle weighing over 4.5 tonnes or an articulated motor vehicle. For example, a B-double or road train
  • a bus built or fitted to carry over 12 adults, including the driver
  • a vehicle carrying a placard load of dangerous goods
  • a taxi, limousine or public passenger vehicle
  • a tow truck, pilot or escort vehicle escorting an oversized vehicle
  • a vehicle being used by a driver trainer to give driver training or a specially constructed vehicle (including a tractor and motorcycle)
  • a class RE licence holder in their first year of riding

Drink driving myths or facts?

Clear your head of the myths surrounding drink driving. Bust the myths.

Bust the myths

More tools & tips

Drink driving fines and demerit points

Find out more

Alcohol ignition interlocks

Find out more

References

1. Footprints Market Research, Driver Attitudes & Behaviour State-wide Research, February 2021.