Low-range drink driving, first offence — what happens?
Low-range PCA (0.05 to under 0.08) is often dealt with by a penalty notice for a first offence, but it can still go to court. Here is what Court Pilot shows.
A person drives a motor vehicle (or occupies the driving seat and attempts to put it in motion), or supervises a learner driver, with the low range concentration of alcohol present in their breath or blood.
| First offence | Second or later | |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic disqualification | 6 months | 12 months |
| Minimum disqualification a court can order | 3 months | 6 months |
| Maximum fine | $2,200 | $3,300 |
| Maximum prison | No prison for this offence | No prison for this offence |
| Alcohol interlock | No for a first offence · Yes for a second or later | No for a first offence · Yes for a second or later |
Police can suspend your licence immediately — you have 28 days to appeal to the Local Court.
A first offence is often dealt with by a penalty notice plus a 3-month suspension, rather than a court attendance.
No disqualification · No interlock · No fine · No criminal conviction. It is not automatic — the court weighs how serious it was and your circumstances — and it is not available if you have had one for drink or drug driving in the last 5 years.
Want to know what this means for you?
The free guide walks your own charge through to court, step by step. For advice about your matter, speak to Hanna Legal.
The charge in full
- Low range PCA — Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) s 110(3)
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