What is the Penalty for Mid Range Drink Driving?

The penalties for ‘mid range drink driving‘ (0.08 – 0.149) depend on whether you’ve been convicted of a ‘major traffic offence’ within the previous five years.

A ‘major traffic offence’ is a driving offence for which you had to go to court eg drink driving, drive recklessly, drive whilst suspended or disqualified etc. It does not include speeding offences under 45 kph, red light cameras, using mobile phones etc.

If it’s your first ‘major traffic offence’ within the previous 5 years, then the ‘automatic’ (ie normal) period of disqualification’ is 12 months and the maximum fine is $2,200.00. There is a maximum prison sentence of 9 months.

However, the Magistrate can reduce the disqualification period to as low as 6 months if there are good reasons to do so; eg if you have a relatively good driving record and a strong need for a licence.

The Magistrate can also choose not to convict you at all if there are very good reasons to do so, in which case you will not get a criminal record, disqualification or fine. This is called a ‘section 10 dismissal or conditional release order‘.

If it’s your second or more conviction for a ‘major traffic offence’ within the past 5 years, the ‘automatic’ period of disqualification increases to 3 years and the maximum fine rises to $3,300.00. The maximum prison sentence rises to 12 months.

The disqualification period can be reduced to a minimum of 12 months, unless the Magistrate gives you a non conviction order, in which case you will not get a criminal record, disqualification or fine.

However, if it’s your third or more ‘major traffic offence’ within 5 years, the Roads and Maritime Services (formerly the RTA) will declare you a ‘habitual traffic offender’ and impose an additional 5 years disqualification upon you after the court case is over.

You will be declared a ‘habitual offender’ even if one or more of your previous matters were dealt with under a non conviction order.

For more information on ‘drink driving offences’, see our main ‘drink driving’ page: www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/traffic/offences/drink-driving/

For information on ‘habitual offender declarations’, go to: www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/traffic/resources/habitual-offender-declarations/

Going to court for a traffic offence?

If you are going to court for a traffic offence, call or email Sydney Criminal Lawyers anytime to arrange a free first consultation with an experienced, specialist traffic lawyer who will accurately advise you of your options, the best way forward, and fight for the optimal outcome in your specific situation.