QUEENSLAND

Cloncurry DUI Lawyers

In shortBoorman Lawyers are experienced, dedicated drink driving, drug driving and DUI lawyers who regularly appear at Cloncurry Magistrates Court and represent clients facing alcohol, drug and serious traffic charges at this courthouse. Cloncurry Magistrates Court holds its general and traffic callover at 9am on one Thursday a month, with the next day kept for matters the magistrate sets. The remaining 2026 dates are Thursday 26 November and Thursday 17 December. We assist clients at Cloncurry Magistrates Court by appearing at court mentions, guilty pleas and sentencing hearings, preparing comprehensive sentencing submissions and character reference material, advising on compulsory licence disqualification periods and mandatory alcohol interlock rules under Queensland law, and preparing section 87 restricted work licence and special hardship order applications.

  • Court: Cloncurry Magistrates Court, 46–48 Sheaffe Street, Cloncurry Qld 4824. Phone (07) 4742 3700.
  • General and traffic callover (2026 calendar): 9am, one Thursday a month – remaining 26 November and 17 December 2026.
  • Licence: disqualification on every conviction; interlock from 0.10.

Queensland law · law checked 20 Oct 2026

Cloncurry Magistrates Court building, Queensland, with the Boorman Lawyers logo and phone number 1300 941 900
What's on this page

Where do Cloncurry drink driving charges come from, and when are they heard?

Cloncurry sits where the Flinders Highway from Townsville meets the Barkly Highway to Mount Isa, with the Landsborough Highway branching south-east towards McKinlay and Kynuna and the Burke Developmental Road heading north to the Gulf. A charge from a roadside test on any of those roads, or in town, can be listed at Cloncurry Magistrates Court on Sheaffe Street.

The court sits on one Thursday a month. The general callover, which includes traffic and transport charges, starts at 9am. The Friday that follows, and sometimes extra days, are kept for matters the magistrate sets, such as longer pleas and hearings. The remaining 2026 callovers are:

Callover (9am) Days set aside by the magistrate
Thursday 26 November 2026 25 to 27 November (listed around the callover)
Thursday 17 December 2026 Friday 18 December

Your Notice to Appear names the court and the date. If it says Mount Isa or Julia Creek instead, go there. The full calendar is on the Queensland Courts website. Unlike the other north-west circuit courts, which are run through Mount Isa, Cloncurry handles its own enquiries and filing.

How do you get to court if you can't drive?

This is the practical question that comes first for most people charged in the district, because the answer depends on your reading.

Under TORUM s 79B, your licence is suspended as soon as you are charged:

  • Below 0.10, with no other drink driving charge pending: for 24 hours. After that you can lawfully drive, including to court.
  • At 0.10 or more, after refusing a specimen, or with another charge pending: until the court decides the charge. You cannot drive to Sheaffe Street.

TORUM is the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld). A s 79E order may allow some drivers to keep driving until court in limited circumstances.

Even if you can drive there, you probably cannot drive home. A disqualification starts in the courtroom the moment it is ordered. So plan the trip both ways:

  • From a mine site or camp: check whether your employer's bus or charter runs on a Thursday, or swap a roster day so a workmate can bring you.
  • From Mount Isa: the Barkly Highway trip is roughly an hour each way. Line up a lift for the return, or check public coach timetables well before the date.
  • From a property or the Gulf: consider coming in on the Wednesday and staying overnight, so a late start or wet road does not make you miss the 9am call.
  • From McKinlay or Julia Creek: the trip west along the Flinders takes over an hour; confirm who is driving before the day.

Arrive early, let the court staff know you are there, and have your paperwork with you. If you have no lawyer, ask the court staff whether a duty lawyer is available that day. Switch your phone off before you go into the courtroom, and wait to be called. Lists can include domestic violence, civil and children's matters on the same morning, so your matter may not be reached straight away. Bring something to eat and drink and allow for a long morning. Missing the callover can lead to the charge being dealt with in your absence or a warrant for your arrest.

What does the court do with a drink driving charge?

The magistrate must disqualify you if you are convicted. TORUM s 86 makes this automatic for every drink driving offence; the only question is how long. Section 86(2A) says the court must consider the reading and the real or potential danger to the public. For a first offence, the ranges are:

Charge Disqualification range
General alcohol limit (0.05 to under 0.10) 2 to 9 months
Middle alcohol limit (0.10 to under 0.15) 3 to 12 months
No alcohol limit, if you held a learner, provisional, probationary or restricted licence or no licence 3 to 9 months
No alcohol limit, other drivers (for example an open licence holder driving a truck) 1 to 9 months
High alcohol limit (0.15 or more), under the influence, or failing to provide a specimen 6 months at least

This matters for anyone who has heard that a "low range" first offence starts at one month. Since the general alcohol limit got its own range, a reading from 0.05 to under 0.10 carries at least two months. A second offence within five years carries far longer periods, and a fine is imposed as well. The drink driving penalties page sets out fines and repeat periods, and the drink driving offences guide explains each charge. "Low", "mid" and "high range" are informal terms; the Act uses the limit names in the table.

Even if the magistrate does not record a conviction, the disqualification still applies. See the no conviction drink driving page.

Can a mine or transport worker get a work licence?

A restricted licence under TORUM s 87 is the main way some people keep driving for work. It is narrow, and many of the drivers around Cloncurry fall outside it. To apply, at the time of the offence you must have:

  1. held an open Queensland licence, not a learner, provisional or probationary licence;
  2. been under 0.15, and not charged with driving under the influence or refusing a specimen;
  3. not been driving as part of your job, and not been driving a truck, bus or other specified vehicle; and
  4. had no suspension, cancellation or disqualification, and no previous drink driving conviction, in the five years before.

So a road train driver caught in the truck cannot apply for that driving, and neither can a worker caught in a site vehicle while on shift. A worker caught in a private car on the way home may be able to.

If you are eligible, you must show the court, by affidavit, that refusing the licence would cause extreme hardship by depriving you or your family of the means of earning a living, and that you are a fit and proper person to drive. Evidence from your employer about the hours, routes and vehicles involved is central. From 0.10, any restricted licence carries an interlock condition (s 87 note; s 91K).

Timing is critical. The application is heard at sentence, before the disqualification is ordered. If it is not ready at the callover, either you lose the chance or you seek an adjournment to the next month, staying suspended meanwhile if your reading was 0.10 or more. The restricted work licence guide explains the affidavits. Ask the registry how the application will be listed.

A special hardship licence is a different order, available for some other suspensions, such as for demerit points. It does not apply to a court-ordered drink driving disqualification.

What about a positive drug test on the highway?

Roadside saliva testing happens on the highways around Cloncurry as elsewhere in Queensland. After a positive roadside result, a second sample goes to a laboratory, and if a relevant drug such as THC, methylamphetamine or MDMA is confirmed, police issue a Notice to Appear, sometimes weeks later.

Two charges are possible. Driving with a relevant drug present does not need proof that you were affected. Driving under the influence of a drug does, and is more serious. Both carry a compulsory disqualification, and for mine workers both can raise separate issues with site drug and alcohol policies. How a pending drug charge affects your licence before court depends on the facts. The drug driving offences and penalties page explains the penalties.

What if you fly in and fly out, or live interstate?

Plenty of people working in the north-west live somewhere else, and a roster can clash with the one Thursday a month the court sits. A charge laid in Queensland is decided under Queensland law, whichever state issued your licence. A Queensland court can disqualify you from holding or obtaining a Queensland licence, and your home licensing authority may act on that disqualification as well.

If your roster puts you out of the region on the callover date, do not simply stay away. Options include:

  • asking your employer to change your swing so you are on site, or off but in Cloncurry, that Thursday;
  • contacting the registry on (07) 4742 3700 before the date to ask about an adjournment, with evidence of the roster;
  • having a lawyer appear for you, if the court allows it for your type of matter.

An adjournment pushes the case to the next month's callover. If your licence is suspended until court, that adds a month off the road, so weigh the cost before asking for one.

How does the magistrate weigh your circumstances?

Within the range set by s 86, the magistrate looks at the whole picture. Matters that can count include:

  • the exact reading and the danger, real or potential, to other road users;
  • your traffic and criminal history, including any long record of safe driving;
  • why you drove, how far, and on which road;
  • whether you pleaded guilty early and took responsibility;
  • the effect of losing your licence on your job, family and access to services, given how far Cloncurry is from larger centres; and
  • what you have done since, such as a course, counselling or changes to how you get home from social events.

Road safety and deterrence also weigh heavily, and no amount of hardship replaces the disqualification. Clear, honest material helps the magistrate decide where in the range your case belongs.

What should you bring to Sheaffe Street?

  • Your Notice to Appear, licence and breath analysis certificate.
  • Character references from people who know about the charge.
  • A letter from your employer about your role, roster and how much driving it involves.
  • Evidence of other driving needs: getting children to school, family to medical appointments in Mount Isa, or supplies to a property.
  • A certificate from a traffic education course, if you do one. See the Traffic Offenders Program page. A course can show insight; it does not remove the disqualification.
  • Your filed work licence affidavits, if you are applying.

When your matter is called, you can plead guilty and be sentenced, seek an adjournment, or plead not guilty and have it set for a hearing. On a plea, the prosecutor reads the facts and hands up your traffic history; you or your lawyer then speak about your circumstances. The court process guide walks through each step.

What if the facts are more serious?

A collision, injury to someone else, passengers (especially children), a very high reading or a long drive while affected can push the disqualification towards the top of its range. Where someone is injured, police may charge dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected, a criminal offence with heavier penalties. The dangerous driving page explains those charges. If any of these apply, get advice well before the callover; such matters may need a day set by the magistrate rather than being finalised at the first Thursday.

What happens when the disqualification ends?

Your licence does not restart on its own. Apply to the Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new licence, which will be probationary for at least a year with the no alcohol limit. TORUM ss 91I and 91N require an interlock for 12 months if your reading was 0.10 or more, or you were convicted of driving under the influence, refusing a specimen or a repeat offence. Check where the nearest approved installer and service centre are; in the north-west that may mean planning trips to Mount Isa or further. Our alcohol interlock page explains exemptions, and TMR's alcohol ignition interlocks page has the official rules.

Which other courts are near Cloncurry?

Approximate straight-line distances: Mount Isa about 106 km west, Julia Creek about 128 km east and Winton about 321 km south-east. Your notice names the court. More guides are on the QLD traffic law hub.

Cloncurry Magistrates Court details

Street address 46–48 Sheaffe Street, Cloncurry Qld 4824
Postal address PO Box 335, Cloncurry Qld 4824
Phone (07) 4742 3700
Email courthouse.cloncurry@justice.qld.gov.au
Registry hours 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday

Source: Queensland Courts Magistrates Courts directory, checked 19 October 2026; street number from the 2026 calendar. The registry closes at 3pm, earlier than most Queensland courts, so call before then.

To talk about your Cloncurry matter, call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.

Cloncurry DUI Court Outcome Review Video

Cloncurry DUI Lawyers Court Outcome Review Published 2025-10-11. This outcome was reported in October 2025. Queensland drug driving penalties change for offences committed from 1 December 2026, and the maximum for driving under the influence rose on 31 August 2026, so the penalties discussed here may not reflect the law that applies to your offence.

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.

Cloncurry drink driving FAQs

What day does Cloncurry hear traffic matters?

One Thursday a month at 9am. The remaining 2026 callovers are 26 November and 17 December.

How long will I lose my licence for 0.07 on a first offence?

Between 2 and 9 months under s 86(2)(eb). The magistrate sets the period by looking at the reading and the danger to the public.

Can I drive myself to court?

Only if your suspension has ended: under 0.10 with nothing else pending, after 24 hours. Arrange a lift home either way, because the disqualification starts in court.

I was in a company ute on shift. Can I get a work licence?

No. Section 87 excludes anyone who was driving in the course of their work when the offence happened.

Do I have to come back for every court date?

A guilty plea can often be finished on one Thursday if you are ready. If an adjournment is needed, a lawyer may be able to appear for you; ask before assuming you can stay away.

Will I need an interlock?

Yes, for 12 months, if your reading was 0.10 or more, or you were convicted of driving under the influence, refusing a specimen or a repeat offence.

Cloncurry Magistrates Court — court details

Cloncurry Magistrates Court

Street
46–48 Sheaffe Street, Cloncurry QLD 4824
Postal
PO Box 335, Cloncurry Qld 4824
Phone
(07) 4742 3700
Email
courthouse.cloncurry@justice.qld.gov.au
Registry hours
8.30am – 12.30pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm Monday to Friday
Days open
General callover, traffic, civil, DV and children's matters 9am on one Thursday a month; following Friday (and some extra days) for matters set by the magistrate
➜ Get directions

Queensland Courts, Magistrates Courts directory (saved 19 Oct 2026) and Cloncurry Magistrates Court 2026 calendar (downloaded 20 Oct 2026). These are the court registry's details, not Boorman Lawyers office details. Check your court papers for your listing time and courtroom.

Enquire about legal representation

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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