Alcohol, drugs and zero limits

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the BAC limit for learners, P platers, supervisors and full licence holders.
• You can explain why you cannot estimate your own BAC.
• You can describe random breath and drug testing and your obligations.
• You can check whether a medicine is safe to take before driving.

What you need to know and understand

• Learners, P1 and P2 drivers must have a zero BAC.
• Most full licence holders must be under 0.05. Some drivers, such as bus, taxi, heavy vehicle and dangerous goods drivers, must be under 0.02 in NSW.
• Supervising drivers must be under 0.05 in states such as NSW and Victoria, and in NSW police can breath test a supervisor involved in a crash.
• Only time lowers your BAC. Coffee, a shower or food will not. After a heavy night it can take more than 18 hours to get back to zero.
• You must not refuse a random breath test or a drug test.
• NSW mobile drug testing checks for four common illegal drugs: cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and methamphetamine.
• It is an offence to drive with illegal drugs in your system, and to drive under the influence of any drug, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Why zero really means zero

You cannot work out your BAC by counting drinks. Your size, how tired you are, what you ate and how big the drinks were all change it. Even one or two drinks affect reaction time and judgement, and new drivers are already learning how to read the road.

If you plan to drink, plan not to drive. Organise a lift, public transport, a taxi or rideshare, or stay the night. Remember you may still have alcohol in your blood the next morning.

Breath and drug testing

• Police can stop any driver at any time for a random breath test, and can test drivers involved in a crash.
• Roadside saliva tests check for illegal drugs, which can stay in your system long after you feel normal.
• Police can also assess drivers who seem affected by any drug, including prescription medicine, and may require blood and urine tests.
• Supervising drivers can be tested too, because they are responsible for the learner.

Medicines and mixing substances

Some medicines cause drowsiness, blurred vision or slower reactions. Examples include some pain killers, cold and flu tablets, allergy medicines, sleeping pills and sedatives. Read the label, follow any warning not to drive, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Mixing alcohol with drugs, or combining different drugs, makes the effects unpredictable and more dangerous. Never drive after mixing substances.

Penalties

Penalties depend on the offence and the state, and can include fines, licence suspension or disqualification, an alcohol interlock fitted to your car, and prison for serious or repeat offences. For a learner or P plater, losing your licence also sets back your progress through the licence stages.

Common mistakes

• Thinking one drink is fine on P plates. Any alcohol is an offence for L and P drivers.
• Driving the morning after a big night. Alcohol can still be in your blood many hours later.
• Assuming a medicine is safe because it came from the chemist. Check the label and ask.
• Believing coffee or a cold shower sobers you up. Only time does.

Test yourself: Alcohol, drugs and zero limits

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Zero Alcohol for Learners and P Platers in Australia
• Car Insurance for Learners and P Platers in Australia
• P Plate Demerit Points