Certain Queensland drivers must record 0.00 BAC — not 0.05. Even a trace of alcohol in your system is an offence. Here is who the zero limit applies to, what the penalties are, and what options you have.
While open licence holders must keep BAC below 0.05, a significant group of drivers are subject to a zero (0.00 BAC) limit under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (TORUM). Any detectable alcohol constitutes a drink driving offence for these drivers.
| Driver Category | BAC Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Learner licence holders | 0.00 | All learner drivers regardless of age |
| P1 Provisional licence holders | 0.00 | First stage provisional licence |
| P2 Provisional licence holders | 0.00 | Second stage provisional licence |
| Probationary licence holders | 0.00 | Includes certain licence reinstatement conditions |
| Taxi drivers | 0.00 | When carrying fare-paying passengers |
| Bus drivers | 0.00 | When carrying 12 or more adult passengers |
| Heavy vehicle / truck drivers | 0.00 | Operating heavy vehicles on a road |
| Dangerous goods vehicle drivers | 0.00 | Transporting dangerous or hazardous materials |
| Driver trainers | 0.00 | While providing driving instruction |
| Class RE (motorbike) — first year | 0.00 | During the first 12 months of RE licence |
| Open licence holders | Under 0.05 | Standard limit for unrestricted licence holders |
Provisional and learner drivers who record any positive BAC face the same drink driving charge framework as other drivers — but with no grace for a “low” reading. Even 0.01 BAC is an offence.
A first offence for a P-plate or learner driver carries a mandatory minimum disqualification of 3 months — higher than the 1-month minimum that applies to open licence holders at the same low reading. Queensland Transport may also impose additional licence restrictions.
Learner and provisional drivers cannot apply for a Restricted Work Licence under section 87 of the TORUM Act. The Work Licence is only available to holders of an open Queensland licence (Class C, RE, or R). P-plates at the time of the offence means automatic ineligibility.
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