Call for your free consultation (02) 9025 9888

Traffic Law » Drink Driving » Special Range Drink Driving

Streeton Lawyers has extensive experience in all aspects of traffic law.

Special Range Drink Driving

Special range drink driving applies to drivers who must maintain a zero alcohol limit, such as P1 and P2 provisional licence holders, or professional drivers such as taxi and bus drivers, who have an alcohol limit of 0.02. To be charged with special range, a driver must return a breath analysis reading between 0.02 and 0.049. Police then have the discretion to provide a driver with an infringement notice or a court attendance notice.

If you receive an infringement notice, you will not be required to attend court however you will be required to pay a fine and serve a period of suspension. Should you wish to have the matter determined by a magistrate, you will have the option to elect to have the matter heard in court. The details of this can be found on the infringement notice provided to you.

If you receive a court attendance notice, you will be required to attend court.

Regardless of whether you receive an infringement notice or a court attendance notice, you will be issued an immediate suspension of your licence by police. This means you cannot drive until your matter is determined by the court. There is an option to appeal the police suspension earlier, however the suspension will only be lifted in exceptional circumstances.

Why Streeton Lawyers?

  • Proven track record of exceptional results
  • Accredited specialists in Criminal Law available
  • Rated as a First Tier Criminal Law Firm by Doyle’s Guide (2017-2023)
  • Your first consultation is free

Call 24/7 (02) 9025 9888

    Free enquiry

    The penalties for special range drink driving are less serious than mid and high range, as there is no term of imprisonment. However, upon conviction an offender will be required to serve a period of disqualification. The penalties increase if the offence is a second or subsequent offence.

    Penalties

    Maximum Fine Maximum Imprisonment Automatic Disqualification Minimum Disqualification Mandatory Interlock
    First Offence $2,200 N/A 6 months 3 months N/A
    Second or Subsequence Offence $3,300 N/A 3 months 1 months 12 months

    Will I receive a criminal record?

    Due to the prevalence of drink driving within our community, the most likely outcome for a special range drink driving is a criminal conviction, which will also result in a licence disqualification.

    However, in certain circumstances a criminal conviction can be avoided. This will depend on an offender’s record, the seriousness of the offence, and the strength of the subjective case.

    Will I lose my licence?

    Upon conviction, an offender will have their licence disqualified for the automatic period. However, this period can be reduced at the magistrate’s discretion, but the period of disqualification cannot go below the minimum period prescribed by the legislation.

    The only way to avoid serving a period of disqualification is to be sentenced without conviction.