The most common drink driving charge in Queensland. If your breath or blood alcohol reading is between 0.050 and 0.099, here is exactly what you are facing and what you can do about it.
Low range drink driving is charged when a driver's blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) is recorded at or above 0.050 but below 0.100. In Queensland, it is one of the most frequently prosecuted traffic offences and is governed by section 79 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (TORUM).
The offence does not require police to prove that you were driving dangerously or that your ability was actually impaired. The BAC reading alone is sufficient to establish the charge. Queensland law operates on a strict liability basis — if your reading is in the low range, the offence is made out regardless of how you felt or how you were driving.
If you return a low range reading, police will issue you with an Immediate Suspension Notice. This means you cannot drive from that moment until your court matter is finalised — unless you successfully apply under section 79E of the TORUM Act to have the immediate suspension lifted. Driving while suspended is a separate and serious offence.
Low range applies to open licence holders. Learner and Provisional (P-plate) drivers, taxi drivers, bus drivers, heavy vehicle operators, and certain other professional drivers must have a BAC of 0.00. Even a reading of 0.01 constitutes an offence for those drivers — see the Zero Alcohol Limit page for full details.
The penalty you receive depends on whether this is your first offence or a repeat offence within a five-year period. The 5-year window is measured from the date of the prior conviction — not the date of the prior offence.
One penalty unit in Queensland is currently valued at $148.50 (as of July 2025).
| Offence | Max Fine | Max Imprisonment | Licence Disqualification | Interlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offence | 14 penalty units (approx. $2,079) |
3 months | 1–9 months | Not mandatory |
| 2nd Offence within 5 years |
20 penalty units (approx. $2,970) |
6 months | 3–18 months | Mandatory |
| 3rd+ Offence within 5 years |
28 penalty units (approx. $4,158) |
9 months | Extended | Mandatory |
The minimum disqualification periods are set by statute. A magistrate cannot reduce them below the minimum, regardless of your personal circumstances, employment needs, or character. What the court can influence is where within the range your penalty falls — which is why preparation and presentation matter.
If you want a Work Licence, the application must be made at the time of sentencing. You cannot apply after the fact. You must bring your employer's supporting material and meet all eligibility criteria under section 87 of the TORUM Act. See the Work Licence page for complete eligibility details.
The QLD Plea Program walks you through everything you need to prepare for your Magistrates Court appearance — character references, plea submission, and court-day guidance. Preparation genuinely influences outcomes.