QUEENSLAND

Queensland QLD

In shortThis is the starting point for our Queensland pages. It links to our Queensland traffic law guides, the Queensland Magistrates Courts we attend, and our Queensland posts and case studies. Everything here is about Queensland law only. NSW law is different, so use the NSW pages for an NSW charge.

  • Traffic law guides: drink and drug driving, work licences, suspensions and serious offences under Queensland law.
  • Magistrates Courts: locations and local guides for the Queensland courts we attend.
  • Posts: all 36 dated Queensland posts and 12 business articles and case studies; past results do not predict outcomes.

Queensland law · law checked 21 Oct 2026

What's on this page

Queensland

This is the starting point for our Queensland pages. Everything in this section is about Queensland law and Queensland Magistrates Courts. NSW law is different, so if you were charged in New South Wales, use our NSW pages instead.

Queensland Magistrates Courts

Most Queensland traffic matters are heard in the Magistrates Court. Our Queensland courts we attend page lists court locations, addresses and local guides.

Queensland penalty changes in 2026: check your offence date (law checked 20 Oct 2026).

Offences on or after 31 August 2026: higher maximum fines apply. They are 20 penalty units ($3,454) for the general alcohol limit and no alcohol limit offences, 28 ($4,835.60) for the middle alcohol limit and 40 ($6,908) for driving under the influence of liquor or a drug. A first general alcohol limit conviction (0.05 to under 0.10) on an open licence now carries 2 to 9 months' disqualification. For offences before 31 August 2026 it was 1 to 9 months. Police can now give an eligible first low-range driver on an open Queensland licence an infringement notice of $1,295 instead of a court charge. Unless the driver elects to go to court, a 2-month disqualification follows. It counts as a conviction, and there is no work licence for that period. Drug driving (a relevant drug present) has not changed yet. The maximum is 14 penalty units ($2,417.80) or 3 months, with 1 to 9 months' disqualification on an open licence and 3 to 9 months for learner, P-plate and unlicensed drivers.

Offences on or after 1 December 2026: minimum fines start for drink and drug driving. For example, the minimum is 7.5 penalty units for low range and for drug driving. The drug driving maximum rises to 28 penalty units, and a first offence on an open licence carries 2 to 9 months' disqualification. A new offence of driving with a relevant drug present while over an alcohol limit adds 1 month to the disqualification range.

An offence committed before a change is generally dealt with under the penalties in force when it happened. Sources: TORUM ss 78E, 79, 79B, 79H–79J and 86, as amended by the Queensland Community Safety Act 2024 and the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026. Penalty unit $172.70 from 1 July 2026.

Queensland posts and case studies

These posts describe past Queensland matters and Queensland law at the date shown. Queensland drink and drug driving penalties changed from 31 August 2026, with more changes from 1 December 2026, so each of these posts carries a dated note. Case studies do not identify clients, and a past result does not predict another outcome.

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2018

2017

2016

Business and social media articles

These articles cover influencer agreements, social media services contracts, trade marks, trading terms and business structures. They describe general Australian law, not Queensland traffic or criminal law, and each is dated.

2019

2018

FAQs: Queensland pages

Do these pages apply to an NSW charge?

No. They explain Queensland law only. For an NSW charge, use our NSW pages.

Is there a work licence in Queensland?

Yes, for some drink driving convictions, if you meet strict conditions under s 87 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995. See the DUI work licence guide.

Call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.

Sources and date checked

Sources and references for this page, checked 21 Oct 2026.

This page is general information about Queensland law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.

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Enquire about legal representation

Call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.

What to have ready

  • Court & next listing date: Which court is on your paperwork and when your matter is listed.
  • Charge or reading (if known): Tell us the charge or reading if you have it — you do not need your full police facts yet.
  • Work & driving needs: Let us know if you rely on your licence for work or family responsibilities.
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