Australia New $980 Drink Driving Fine – What Drivers Must Know in 2025

Drink driving has long been one of the ugliest killers on Australian roads, and this month authorities have raised the stakes again: a new $980 fine for anyone caught over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. It’s a blunt message from governments across the states and territories—if you drink, don’t drive.

Why the Crackdown Matters

Despite decades of campaigns, roadside checks, and awareness ads, alcohol remains a factor in around one in five road deaths in Australia, according to government data. Every year, thousands of drivers are booked for drink driving offences, often after weekend sessions or holiday gatherings.

The $980 penalty, coupled with demerit points, is designed to act as a sharper deterrent. It’s part of Australia’s broader “Vision Zero” strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

How the New Penalty Works

From this month:

• BAC over 0.05: Ordinary licence holders face an on-the-spot $980 fine plus demerit points.
• Repeat offenders: Can expect licence suspensions, mandatory alcohol education programs, or in severe cases, jail time.
• Learners & provisional drivers: Must maintain a 0.00 BAC. Even the smallest trace of alcohol triggers harsher penalties, reflecting their inexperience on the road.

Police have also stepped up random breath-testing operations (RBTs), especially on weekends and public holidays, when alcohol-related crashes spike.

Drink Driving vs. Alternatives

The message is simple but often ignored: if you’re drinking, plan ahead. Authorities suggest:

• Designating a sober driver before the night starts.
• Using rideshare or taxis, which are cheaper than a $980 fine (let alone the risks).
• Opting for public transport, which is being prioritised during late-night events in major cities.

A single poor decision can now cost drivers not just money, but their licence, freedom, and lives.

More Than Just Fines

This fine hike isn’t an isolated move. It comes as part of a larger suite of reforms tackling risky driving behaviours:

• Speeding penalties are under review.
• Mobile phone offences while driving are facing tougher sanctions.
• Fatigue laws for long-haul drivers are being tightened.

Together, these measures aim to chip away at the stubborn toll of road trauma.

The Bigger Picture

For years, road safety advocates have argued that the only way to change behaviour is through both tough enforcement and cultural shifts. Australia already runs some of the world’s largest random breath-testing programs, pulling over millions of drivers annually. Yet, with alcohol-related deaths still significant, the $980 fine sends a fresh warning shot.

Key Takeaways

• $980 fine + demerit points for drivers caught above 0.05 BAC.
• Learners and P-platers must stay at 0.00 BAC, with even tougher penalties.
• Repeat offenders face licence disqualification, education programs, or jail.
• Police are ramping up roadside breath testing, especially at peak drinking times.
• Part of the government’s Vision Zero 2050 goal to eradicate road deaths.

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