What is Drug Driving?
Police may charge you with drug driving if a saliva swab taken during a roadside drug test detects the presence of illicit drugs in your system.
The test, which is carried out by licking the swab, is currently able to detect the presence of:
- cannabis,
- ecstasy/MDMA,
- cocaine,
- methylamphetamine (ice) and
- amphetamines (speed).
If you fail the preliminary lick test, you will need to repeat it. If the result is the same, further laboratory analysis will be conducted. This can take 24 hours, and you will not be permitted to drive in that time. If the test confirms the presence of illicit drugs, you will be charged with the offence of driving with the presence of an illicit drug.
If you are facing drug driving charges, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced drug driving lawyer.
What are the Drug Driving Penalties in NSW?
If you are convicted, the potential penalties include:
| Drug Driving Penalties NSW | |
|---|---|
| First major offence within 5 years | |
| Maximum fine | $2,200 |
| Maximum prison sentence | 9 months |
| Minimum disqualification | 6 months |
| Automatic disqualification (in the absence of a specific court order) | 12 months |
| Second major offence within 5 years | |
| Maximum fine | $3,300 |
| Maximum prison sentence | 12 months |
| Minimum disqualification | 12 months |
| Automatic disqualification (in the absence of a specific court order) | 3 years |
How Severe are Drug Driving Charges?
A relatively recent charge, drug driving is considered to be quite important by governments who want to be perceived as being tough on the ‘drug epidemic’. Although it is viewed as a serious charge, our drug driving lawyers may still be able to argue for a section 10.
Read the details of a recent section 10 drug driving case study.
The penalties are similar to drink driving, however the way the severity of the offence is judged is very different. The amount of a drug in your system and whether you were affected by it while you were driving doesn’t matter, it is enough that it was detected. This is an important consideration, particularly in circumstances where some drugs like marijuana can remain detectable for days after ingestion.
Traffic Offender Intervention Program
If you participate in the Traffic Offender Intervention Program, a court may lessen the penalties imposed on you if you are found guilty of drug driving. This program covers traffic laws and rules, why it is important not to breach them and the potential consequences for yourself and the community if you do. After the course is finished, a certificate will be sent to the court and it can be taken into account in determining your sentence.
More information about the Traffic Offender Intervention Program
Facing Drug Driving Charges in NSW?
Roadside and mobile drug testing is on the rise in NSW, and the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs (including a first offence of drug driving) can be severe. Do not take risks with your future or your licence.
If you have been charged with Drug Driving contact one of our experienced drug driving lawyers for advice – your first conference is free and we travel to all courts in NSW. There may be numerous defences open to you if you are facing drug driving charges. Nyman Gibson Miralis can provide you with concrete advice and assistance on what you should do once you have been charged, including providing you with recommendations on whether you should obtain a pharmacological report or otherwise contest the charge.
