What happens if I'm caught — low-range drink driving (first offence) in NSW?

Standard penalty: no demerit points and a $722 fine. Immediate 3-month licence suspension accompanies the penalty notice (first offence). If dealt with by a court instead: LOW range - max fine $2,200 first / $3,300 subsequent, automatic disqualification 6 months first / 12 months subsequent (minimum 3 / 6 months), interlock not required for first offence; MID range - max fine $2,200 first / $3,300 subsequent, max imprisonment 9 / 12 months, automatic disqualification 12 months / 3 years (minimum 6 / 12 months), interlock required; HIGH range - max fine $3,300 first / $5,500 subsequent, max imprisonment 18 months / 2 years, automatic disqualification 3 years / 5 years (minimum 12 months / 2 years), interlock required..

How close does this put me to suspension in NSW?

13 points within 3 years on a full (unrestricted) licence — 14 for professional drivers.

Low-range drink driving (first offence) in New South Wales: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)

Name: Low-range drink driving (first offence) — NSW penalty 2026-27
Creator: NSW Government offence and demerit schedule

a $722 fine

Penalty notice as published 17 July 2026 (official page does not state the indexation year)

NSW Government offence and demerit schedule · 2026-27 schedule

Licence consequence: Immediate 3-month licence suspension accompanies the penalty notice (first offence). If dealt with by a court instead: LOW range - max fine $2,200 first / $3,300 subsequent, automatic disqualification 6 months first / 12 months subsequent (minimum 3 / 6 months), interlock not required for first offence; MID range - max fine $2,200 first / $3,300 subsequent, max imprisonment 9 / 12 months, automatic disqualification 12 months / 3 years (minimum 6 / 12 months), interlock required; HIGH range - max fine $3,300 first / $5,500 subsequent, max imprisonment 18 months / 2 years, automatic disqualification 3 years / 5 years (minimum 12 months / 2 years), interlock required.
Learner / provisional: Novice range (any alcohol) applies to learner and provisional drivers - zero alcohol limit.

Drink-driving is measured by blood or breath alcohol concentration, and the offence is graded into ranges, with the penalty rising as the reading climbs. Full licence holders are generally held to a set limit, while learner, provisional and certain professional drivers are required to have no alcohol present at all, so a reading that would be within limits for one driver can be an offence for another.

Enforcement combines random breath testing at set-up stops with roadside testing after a stop or a crash. How a matter is handled then varies sharply between jurisdictions: some states allow a lower-range reading to be dealt with by an on-the-spot infringement notice, sometimes still with an immediate licence loss attached, while others send every drink-driving matter to court no matter how low the reading. Higher ranges are almost always court matters wherever you are.

Because the consequences can include criminal penalties and disqualification, this is an area where the differences between states matter a great deal. This section is general information, not legal advice; if your licence or a possible charge is at stake, get advice from a qualified lawyer about your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I'm caught — low-range drink driving (first offence) in NSW?: The standard penalty is no demerit points and a $722 fine. Immediate 3-month licence suspension accompanies the penalty notice (first offence). If dealt with by a court instead: LOW range - max fine $2,200 first / $3,300 subsequent, automatic disqualification 6 months first / 12 months subsequent (minimum 3 / 6 months), interlock not required for first offence; MID range - max fine $2,200 first / $3,300 subsequent, max imprisonment 9 / 12 months, automatic disqualification 12 months / 3 years (minimum 6 / 12 months), interlock required; HIGH range - max fine $3,300 first / $5,500 subsequent, max imprisonment 18 months / 2 years, automatic disqualification 3 years / 5 years (minimum 12 months / 2 years), interlock required..
How close does this put me to suspension in NSW?: 13 points within 3 years on a full (unrestricted) licence — 14 for professional drivers.

The same offence in other states

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

NSW Government offence and demerit scheduleverified

Standard first-offence penalty for a full-licence holder unless noted. Information, not legal advice — if your licence is at stake, get legal advice.