Drug Driving First-Time Offences

A first offence occurs when you are caught driving with illicit drugs in your system or exceeding the prescribed drug concentration for the first time.

Penalties can include fines, licence suspension (usually 6–12 months), and mandatory completion of a Behaviour Change Program (BCP). A criminal record may also be recorded depending on the circumstances.

Refusing a test is an offence and often results in heavier penalties than failing. Always seek legal advice before responding to the police.

Detection times vary by drug, dosage, and metabolism. Saliva and blood tests are usually accurate within a few hours of driving.

Yes. With an experienced lawyer, you may be able to challenge a drug driving offence by reviewing testing procedures, identifying procedural errors, and exploring technical defences.

Yes. Even legal prescription medications can impair driving. Always check if your medication affects your ability to drive and follow medical advice.