Gold Coast Drink Driving Lawyers

The Gold Coast sees one of the highest volumes of drink driving charges in Queensland. With major entertainment precincts, a vibrant social scene, and limited public transport options across the sprawling coastal corridor, many Gold Coast residents find themselves facing a charge that can mean the loss of their licence, a criminal conviction, and — for higher readings or repeat offences — imprisonment.

Hannay Criminal Defence’s Gold Coast criminal lawyers have defended thousands of drink driving and drug driving matters in Gold Coast Magistrates Courts from Coolangatta to Southport. We understand the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) inside and out, and we know how to protect your licence and your livelihood. We don’t miss a trick.

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Drink Driving Offences in Queensland

Under section 79 of the TORUM Act, drink driving offences are categorised by BAC reading:

Low range (0.050–0.099) — Fines and a minimum licence disqualification. First-time offenders may be eligible for a restricted work licence.

Mid range (0.100–0.149) — Higher penalties. Repeat offenders face possible imprisonment.

High range (0.150+) — The most severe penalties including up to 9 months imprisonment, significant fines, and extended disqualification. Failing to provide a specimen is treated equivalently.

No alcohol limit (over 0.00) — Applies to learner and provisional licence holders, and drivers of heavy vehicles, buses, and taxis.

Drug Driving

Drug driving is a zero-tolerance offence in Queensland. Any detectable amount of THC, methylamphetamine, or MDMA in your system while driving constitutes an offence. The Gold Coast sees a particularly high volume of drug driving charges, especially near music festivals and entertainment precincts. Read more about whether you could be caught out.

How We Help

Our Gold Coast drink driving lawyers can assist with negotiating with prosecutors, applying for restricted work licences, submissions to avoid a conviction, challenging breath test evidence and procedural compliance, and advising on the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program.

For many Gold Coast residents, losing their licence effectively means losing their income. We understand this urgency and fight to protect your licence. Read more about whether you need a lawyer for your traffic matter.

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Why Choose Hannay Criminal Defence?

Our experienced team has made thousands of court appearances for traffic matters across Gold Coast courts. We provide specialist representation for professionals. We also handle drink driving matters in Brisbane and Sydney.

See also our Gold Coast traffic offence lawyers page.