Queensland to double drug-driving fines from December 1
Queensland doubles drug-driving penalties and licence bans while NSW eases medicinal cannabis rules.
Queensland Parliament has passed tough new drug-driving laws taking effect on 1 December 2026. The highest fine will roughly double to about $4,836.
Courts must now impose a new lowest fine of about $1,295 for certain drink- and drug-driving offences. First-time offenders face a lowest two-month licence ban.
This is up from one month. The law also creates a combined drink-and-drug-driving offence.
It carries a highest fine of $5,699. Roadside saliva tests screen for methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and THC.
The law uses a presence-based system. Any trace of these drugs can trigger a penalty.
This applies even if the driver is not impaired. NSW is moving in the opposite direction.
It is introducing a scheme for medicinal cannabis users. Users who register and are not impaired will be exempt from automatic penalties.
- about $4,836
- Maximum fine
- about $1,295
- Minimum fine
- 2 months, up from 1 month
- First offence licence ban
- December 1, 2026
- Effective date
Why it mattersIf you drive in Queensland, the financial and legal consequences are much higher if any illegal drug is found in your system. The new rules start December 1.
AustraliaQueensland drivers need to know the tougher penalties. NSW drivers using legal medicinal cannabis will have different protections under the new scheme.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
