QLD & NSW

Traffic Law by State

In shortTraffic law is different in each state. Choose New South Wales or Queensland to find guides on drink driving, drug driving, licence suspensions, work licences, interlocks and the court process under that state's law. Each state's guides explain that state's law only. The law where the offence happened usually applies.

  • New South Wales: guides under the Road Transport Act 2013, dealt with in the NSW Local Court.
  • Queensland: guides under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, dealt with in the Magistrates Court.
  • Interstate licences: the law where the offence happened usually applies, and a disqualification can affect your home-state licence.

Queensland and New South Wales law · law checked 21 Oct 2026

What's on this page

Choose your state

Traffic law is different in each state and territory. The offences, penalties, licence rules and court process in New South Wales are not the same as in Queensland. Choose the state where you were charged.

New South Wales

Drink driving, drug driving, section 10 orders, licence suspension appeals, interlocks and serious traffic offences under NSW law, dealt with in the NSW Local Court. Start at NSW traffic law.

Queensland

Drink driving, drug driving, work licences, special hardship orders, interlocks and court process under Queensland law, dealt with in the Queensland Magistrates Court. Start at Queensland traffic law.

Australian Capital Territory

We represent clients at courts throughout Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT. ACT traffic matters, including drink and drug driving, are dealt with under ACT law in the ACT Magistrates Court in Canberra, and the ACT rules are not the same as the NSW or Queensland rules. Start at ACT traffic law. If you were charged in the ACT, call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation and mention that your matter is in the ACT.

Not sure which state's law applies?

The law of the place where the offence is alleged to have happened usually applies, even if you hold an interstate licence. A disqualification in one state can also affect your licence in your home state. If you were charged in one state and live in another, get advice about both.

Choosing a lawyer

For what to consider when choosing a traffic lawyer, see why choose us. For how our costs work, see costs.

FAQs: choosing a state

I live in Queensland but was charged in NSW. Which guides apply?

The NSW guides, because NSW law usually applies to an offence in NSW. Your Queensland licence may also be affected.

Is the law the same in every state?

No. Offences, penalties and licence rules differ, so always use the guides for the state where you were charged.

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 and New South Wales law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.

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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