Drug Driving

The repercussions of a drug driving offence are dependent on the type and quantity of drug detected. Seek legal advice for the best possible outcome.

About drug driving

Drug testing is done via roadside tests for the presence of active ingredients in cannabis, ecstasy and amphetamines by a simple saliva sample. If the test returns positive, a further sample is taken and sent to a government laboratory for testing.
Drug Driving
In the meantime, your driver’s licence is immediately suspended for 24 hours. Once the 24 hours pass, you may drive again.

If the sample sent to the government laboratory is positive for drugs, you will be charged. Testing times at the government laboratory can vary but can be a month or even longer.

Repercussions

The repercussions of a drug driving offence are dependent on the type and quantity of drug detected, your prior traffic history and/or conviction for a similar type of offence with a particular focus on the last five years. This can result in high fines, loss of licence and, in some circumstances, incarceration.

Changes to Queensland law make disqualification periods cumulative (that is, served one after the other, resulting in lengthier periods of disqualification).

Work Licences

In limited circumstances, you may be able to apply for a work licence. A work licence allows you to drive for work when your driver’s licence has been cancelled because of drug/drink driving or a similar offence. A work licence is officially called “a restricted licence” under section 87 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.

Contact us to discuss your circumstances, and we can let you know whether you are eligible.
Work Licences

Book a Free Consultation

When facing traffic offence charges, finding clarity in your situation is the first step, and we won’t charge you for the initial advice we give you.

What to do next

Experienced legal representation could be the deciding factor in whether you walk out of court or are escorted to the watchhouse.