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130+ guides · written by our lawyers

The Driving Law blog

Plain-English guides on drink and drug driving, licences, demerit points, going to court and everything in between — written and reviewed by the lawyers who run these matters every day across Queensland. This is the most comprehensive traffic law blog in Queensland.

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Going to court

Police will issue you with a “notice to appear” on a little slip of paper. For a drink driving offence, you will also be given a separate “notice of suspension”. The suspension notice will be 24 hours if you are charged with a low range drink driving offence, or, you will be suspended until your matter is resolved in court if it is middle range drink driving offence or higher.

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Demerit points

What to do if You Receive a Notice to Choose

Drivers in Queensland who exceed their demerit point limit will be sent a notice to choose. It is critical that you understand the consequence of the choices set down in that notice to choose.

Drink driving Drug driving

Will I Incur Demerit Points for a Drink or Drug Driving Offence?

Drink driving and drug driving charges in Queensland require an attendance in court and aren’t just matters that can be resolved through the issue of a ticket. Clients often ask us will I get any demerit points for a drink or drug driving charge?

Defences Drink driving

Drinking After Driving but Before a Breath Test

Drink Driving offences are offences of strict liability – effectively, if a person was suspected of driving/being in charge of or attempting to put a vehicle into motion and that person had a BAC greater than their allowed limit (See our full article on Drink Driving).

Traffic offences

Racing a Vehicle on a Road in Queensland

Queensland law makes it illegal to take part or promote a race or speed trial between vehicles without a permit. While certainly a fast and furious style street race would be illegal in Queensland so would less organised types of racing say like 2 cars accelerating on a green light to see who has the fastest car.

Drug driving

Can You Get a Work Licence if Charged With Drug Driving?

Most people would be aware that certain drink driving charges allow you to apply for a work licence to keep driving for work purposes. The question is, can a person charged with drug driving also apply for a work licence?

Interlocks Work licences

Interlocks and Work Licences

If you need to apply for a work licence will you need to install an interlock? and what happens if you need a work licence but cannot install an interlock?

Defences

Defence of Sudden or Extraordinary Emergency

What happens if you believe you are forced to do an illegal act in Queensland due to a sudden emergency arising ? Is there a defence to this extraordinary emergency and what would happen in court if you are charged?

Careless Dangerous driving

Top 5 Myths About Dangerous Driving in Queensland

The most common misconception about dangerous driving is that it is a traffic offence and is therefore not as serious as other types of charges. This is incorrect. Dangerous driving is one of the most serious traffic offences in Queensland as it is also a criminal offence.

Unlicensed driving

Unlicensed Driving Due to SPER Suspension

One of the more common charges that can bring a person before the court is a charge of unlicensed driving. There are a number of different ways a person can become unlicensed but this article focuses on unlicensed driving due to an unpaid SPER debt.

Traffic offences

Failing to Remain at the Scene of an Accident

As a traffic lawyer in Queensland, I often encounter cases involving individuals who find themselves in a precarious situation after being involved in a car accident. When someone is injured, it is imperative to understand the legal obligations outlined in Section 92 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act Qld this is the section that covers the charge of failing to remain at the scene of an accident. T

Drink driving

Do I Really Need to Lose My Licence for Drink Driving?

In this short guide we will talk about licence disqualifications for drug and drink driving offences and what alternatives there are to maintaining the ability to drive during any disqualification.

Going to court

How to Appeal a Traffic Conviction in Queensland

If you have been found guilty of a traffic offence such as careless driving, evading police, unlicenced driving etc, or sentenced to a traffic offence and you do not agree with the decision of the Magistrate, you have the right to make an appeal to the District Court. However, the rules, timeframes, and procedures of appeals are complex and often difficult to navigate.

Licences

Driving Under a Police Suspension

Driving under a police suspension are very serious charges in Queensland. The Courts take a very dim view of the offences and the consequences of driving while suspended by police are severe.

Demerit points Licences

Understanding Good Driving Behaviour Periods in Queensland

Good Driving Behaviour Period As part of the process of encouraging drivers in Queensland to drive in safe manner the Queensland government limits a driver from incurring more than 12 demerit points within 3 years (4 for provisional licence holders). If a driver exceeds their demerit point limit then they will be given a choice in a letter from TMR called a notice to choose – take a suspension for a certain amount of time (usually 3 months) or go on a good driving behaviour period.

Disqualification

Do Licence Disqualifications apply throughout Australia?

In Australia, the rules governing driver licensing and disqualifications are not only regulated by individual states but also by national bodies like the National Transport Commission (NTC). The NTC, established to develop uniform regulations for road transport, plays a crucial role in ensuring consistency and coherence in traffic laws across the country.

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Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Drink driving

Immediate Suspension for Drink Driving in Queensland

The law Queensland provides that any person who is charged with a drink driving offence that is a mid-range or high-range drink charge will immediately lose the ability to drive. This lasts until a disqualification is imposed by the courts.

Drink driving

Case Study: High Range Drink Driving and Disqualified Driving

We recently appeared in the Sandgate Court for a client facing the real prospects of a prison sentence. The client had been charged with unlicensed driving due to a previous court ordered disqualification and high range drink driving or driving UIL (also sometimes referred to as a DUI).

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Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

High range drink driving

High Range Drink Driving in Queensland — What to Expect

If you’ve been charged with high range drink driving, you’re probably reading this late at night, worried about your licence, your job and what happens in court. Take a breath. This page walks you through exactly what a high range charge means in Queensland and what to expect — in plain language.

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

What is a QP9 and Why is it Important to Your Charge?

Dangerous Driving Causing Death or GBH

Should I Plead Guilty to a Drink Driving Charge?

High Range Drink Driving in Queensland — What to Expect

Work Licence vs Special Hardship Order — Which One Applies to You?

Careless Driving Causing Death or Grievous Bodily Harm

Drink Driving Charges for Tradies in Queensland

Navigating Drink Driving Charges in Queensland’s Children’s Court

Penalties for Drink and Drug Driving Charges in Queensland

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Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Drink driving Drug driving

Penalties for Drink and Drug Driving Charges in Queensland

Drink-driving charges must be dealt with in the Magistrates Court. If you are charged with a drink-driving offence, you will get a Notice to Appear (which lists the charge and the date you must attend court). You also receive a certificate stating either the concentration of alcohol detected in your blood or saliva, or what drug(s) was found in your system.

Drug driving

Work Licences for Drug Drivers in Queensland

For many Queensland drivers, being charged with drug driving can be a daunting and life-altering experience. The prospect of losing your licence can impact your employment and, in turn, your ability to support yourself and your family. However, there is hope.

Drink driving Drug driving

How Drink and Drug Driving Laws Affect Truck Drivers in Queensland

Among the most serious traffic offences are drink and drug driving. These offences carry severe penalties and can devastate a truck driver’s livelihood. This blog post delves into the implications of these laws, offering insights and practical advice for truck drivers charged with drink or drug driving in Queensland.

Drink driving Drug driving

Will I Incur Demerit Points for a Drink or Drug Driving Offence?

Drug driving

Can You Get a Work Licence if Charged With Drug Driving?

Drug driving Interlocks

Exemptions to Installing an Interlock After a Drink Driving Offence in Queensland

If you have been convicted of a mid range or high range drink driving offence (or 2 low range drink driving charges in 5 years) in Queensland, you will be required to install an alcohol interlock in your vehicle. However, there are some legal exemptions to this requirement.

Drug driving Repeat offences

Second Drug Driving Charge

Drug driving charge continues to increase in Queensland largely due to more police testing the introduction of testing for cocaine. If this is your second or more drug driving offence then you will face increase penalties and in some cases the inability to apply for a work licence.

Drug driving

Cocaine Testing for Drivers in Queensland

Queensland has become the one of the first states in Australia to introduce roadside testing for cocaine. The new testing program, which began on 7 July 2023, uses saliva swabs to detect the presence of cocaine in drivers’ systems.

Drug driving

First Time Drug Driving Offence in Queensland: Understanding the Consequences

Drug driving is a serious offence that can have significant consequences for both the driver and other road users. In Queensland, drug driving is a criminal offence that carries severe penalties, including fines, licence disqualification, and possible imprisonment if someone has been injured in an accident.

Drug driving

Can You Drive on Prescription Cannabis in Queensland?

Cannabis was made legal for medical purposes in Queensland in 2016. It is, however, illegal for a person to drive while a detectable amount of THC (the active compound in cannabis) is in his saliva or blood. This remains so, even if you have a legal prescription for cannabis containing THC.

Drug driving

Drug Driving Loopholes in Queensland

People charged are obviously interested to know if there is a way to get out of the charge i.e. are there loopholes to drug driving charges in Queensland? Can I beat a drug driving charge? How to get off a drug driving charge? Is there a defence to a drug driving charge?

Drug driving

Essential Guide to Drug Driving

In the same way that you can be given a random breath test for alcohol, you can also be pulled over for a random roadside saliva test to test for the presence of any relevant drugs in your system.

Drug driving Licences

All You Need to Know About Section 79E Applications

When a person has committed a drink driving offence over the middle alcohol limit or over the high alcohol limit (or UIL), or committed a Drive under the Influence of Drugs, then their licence is going to be immediately suspended under section 79B of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act, see our article on driving under a police suspension.

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Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Work licences

Work Licence vs Special Hardship Order — Which One Applies to You?

If you’ve lost your licence, or you’re about to, the first question is usually: can I get some kind of licence to keep driving? In Queensland there are two very different options — a work licence and a special hardship order — and which one applies depends entirely on why you’re losing your licence. Here’s the difference in plain English.

Work licences

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Licence Application in Queensland?

If you’ve recently faced traffic law charges or traffic offence in Queensland and are concerned about losing your licence, you may be considering applying for a work licence or special hardship licence in Queensland. These licences can be essential for maintaining your livelihood, but the process of obtaining one can be complex and fraught with legal pitfalls. The question then arises: should you get a lawyer for your application? The short answer is yes, and here’s why.

Work licences

Limited Licence in Queensland

“Limited licence” is an older, commonly-used name for the two ways to keep driving after a disqualification or suspension in Queensland: a work licence (a restricted licence for work) and a special hardship order. Both still exist — “limited licence” is just the informal term many people still use for them.

Interlocks Work licences

Interlocks and Work Licences

If you need to apply for a work licence will you need to install an interlock? and what happens if you need a work licence but cannot install an interlock?

Work licences

Should I Apply for a Work Licence or Just Take the Disqualification?

Deciding whether or not to pursue a work licence is a question that a person charged with drink or drug driving needs to ponder when they commence their matter. This article is not going to comprehensively cover work licences, we have a detailed article on that topic here. In short, a work licence is a type of restricted licence that a person applies for to allow them to continue to drive for a specified purpose whilst their licence is disqualified for certain drink or drug driving offences.

Work licences

Restricted Licences for Disability Support Workers

This is the first article in a series focussing on the specific requirements and considerations for different occupations. This article will examine some of the specific requirements that face NDIS and disability support workers and making applications for restricted licences.

Drink driving Work licences

High Range Drink Driving — Can You Get a Work Licence?

If you are charged with high range drink driving in Queensland, you may be wondering if you will be able to get a work licence?

Work licences

Hardship Licences for Taxi and Ride Share Drivers

In Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) recognizes that some passenger transport workers may face unexpected and exceptional circumstances that may prevent them from holding a valid driver’s licence. To address this issue, TMR offers a special hardship licence to eligible passenger transport workers who need to continue driving for work purposes despite their licence suspension.

Work licences

Work Licence Affidavits

If you have found yourself in a position where you are going to lose your licence as a result of a drug driving or low or mid-range drink driving charge (you had a BAC less than 0.15%) tin Queensland hen you may be eligible for a work licence.

Work licences

The Essential Guide to Obtaining a Work Licence

A work licence (also known as a restricted licence, section 87 licence or day licence) is a special type of licence that may be issued by the court to persons convicted of a low or mid-range range drink driving charge (a BAC reading under .15) or certain drug driving charges in Queensland. A work licence replaces your normal Queensland drivers licence for the period of the disqualification imposed by the court.

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Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Special hardship orders

Special Hardship Licences for Tradies in Queensland

In the bustling world of trades, mobility is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity. Tradespeople rely on their ability to travel from site to site, carry essential tools and sometimes even transport team members. However, facing a licence suspension can bring this vital mobility to a grinding halt, potentially jeopardizing livelihoods and ongoing projects. This is where the special hardship licence may become an essential option for Queensland tradies.

Special hardship orders

Special Hardship Order Conditions in Queensland

This article seeks to expand upon what conditions the Court can impose on a person if they grant them a restricted licence under section 317 of the Transport Operations (Driver licencing) Regulation 2021.

Special hardship orders

How Many Demerit Points Do You Have on a Special Hardship Order?

If you are granted a special hardship licence how many demerit points do you have while on the SHO?

Special hardship orders

Varying a Special Hardship Order

Given a special hardship order will last at least 6 months then there will be times when circumstances change and the hardship order needs to be modified. The question then is can you vary or change a special hardship licence?

Special hardship orders

My Special Hardship Order Application Is Being Opposed — What Can I Do?

Special hardship orders

Special Hardship Order Applications

A special hardship licence or special hardship order is a licence issued when you exceed 2 demerit points on a good driving behaviour period or have exceeded the speed limit by more than 40 km/h (high speed suspension). It is also known as a hardship licence, SHO, demerit point licence, good driving behaviour licence or special hardship order.

Special hardship orders

Hardship Licence Affidavits

Published 2022-11-20 7 MIN READ It is essential for anyone making a special hardship license application to ensure that the application is accompanied by a detailed and comprehensive affidavit. The affidavit for the special hardship order application needs to cover everything from your financial situation to the hours and days you need to drive.

Special hardship orders

What Happens in Court When Applying for a Special Hardship Order?

Whether you call it a hardship licence, a special hardship licence, a high speed suspension licence or demerit point licence you are likely to have questions about what will happen in court. From the almost 1,000 successful special hardship applications we at Clarity Law have made the following are the most frequently asked questions.

Special hardship orders

Essential Guide to Special Hardship Licences in Queensland

At Clarity Law we have been able to assist almost a thousand people obtain a Special Hardship Order (“SHO”) since 2010. We have obviously been able to acquire a lot of knowledge during this time and this guide is meant to give people a basic understanding of what it might take to apply for a hardship licence in Queensland.

Special hardship orders

Driving Children Under a Special Hardship Licence

We often get calls from people needing a special hardship licence for work purposes who also desire to be able to drive their children to school or other activities under that hardship licence.

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Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Disqualified driving

How Long will a Court Disqualify my Licence for?

There are a range of driving related offences in Queensland, with various disqualification periods for each of them.

Disqualified driving

Defences to a Disqualified Driving Charge in Queensland

Disqualified driving is an extremely serious traffic charge in Queensland. The Courts are particularly hard on these types of offences as to be charged with disqualified driving you must have already been disqualified by a court. Disqualified driving is the most common traffic offence that causes people to be sentenced to jail.

Featured

Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Featured

Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Careless Driving Causing Death or Grievous Bodily Harm

Section 83 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, creates the offence of driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration of other persons using the road or place. This is commonly referred to as “careless driving”.

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Dangerous Driving Defences in Queensland

Dangerous driving is one of the most serious traffic related charged that can come before a court. Unlike drink driving or unlicensed driving which are considered traffic offences dangerous driving is considered a criminal offence and carries serious penalties if found guilty especially if the charge is dangerous driving causing injury or death.

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Essential Guide to Dangerous Driving in Queensland

The offence of dangerous operation of a vehicle (“Dangerous Driving“) is one of the most serious traffic-related offences in Queensland law. The offence itself is not found in the traffic legislation but is a criminal offence, created by the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld). As such, convictions for this offence are recorded on criminal histories, not on traffic histories.

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Careless Driving vs Dangerous Driving in Queensland

Driving laws in Queensland are designed to keep everyone on the road safe. However, not all driving offences are created equal. Knowing the difference between careless driving and dangerous driving can help you understand the potential consequences you might face and how to respond if you are charged.

Featured

Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Dangerous driving

Dangerous Driving Causing Death or GBH

The charge of dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm (“GBH”) is a serious offence in Queensland, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Tragically often the tiniest mistake by a driver can lead to a person suffering death or grievous bodily harm and the driver who often has never broken the law before forced to navigate the court system.

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Careless Driving Causing Death or Grievous Bodily Harm

Careless Dangerous driving

Top 5 Myths About Dangerous Driving in Queensland

Dangerous driving Hooning

Can You be Charged for Watching Other People do a Burnout?

The Queensland government has taken significant steps to address the issue of dangerous driving through the implementation of stricter laws targeting group hooning activities. These comprehensive measures, introduced by Mark Ryan, Minister for Police and Corrective Services reflect, they say, Queensland’s commitment to road safety while sparking a debate about personal freedoms and government intervention.

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Dangerous Driving Defences in Queensland

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Essential Guide to Dangerous Driving in Queensland

Dangerous driving Careless driving

Careless Driving vs Dangerous Driving in Queensland

Featured

Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Unlicensed driving

Unlicensed Driving Due to SPER Suspension

Unlicensed driving

Essential Guide to Unlicensed Driving in Queensland

Driving unlicensed is one of most common reasons that people are required to attend a Queensland court. There is a wide variety of unlicensed driving charges and consequently a wide variety of potential penalties. This guide seeks to give you an understanding of a charge of unlicensed driving and the penalty the court may impose. This guide is in relation to Queensland law only.

Featured

Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Evading police

Case Conferencing an Evade Police Charge

It was a great start to the new year for Clarity Law as we finalised a matter and obtained fantastic outcome for the client. This outcome case as a result of diligent work and case conferencing with the Police Prosecution Corps.

Uncategorized Evading police

What Happens if You are Served an Evasion Notice?

If you are served with an evasion notice it is critical to get urgent legal advice as the consequences of failing to do so are very serious. This article summarises what an evasion charge is (also called fail to stop) and then goes on to discuss what is an evasion notice and what at the legal implications of being served one.

Defences Evading police

Defences to an Evading Police Charge

The charge of evading police is an extremely serious charge with the Queensland Government enacting some of the toughest legislation in the country. The government have shown a continued desire to see people jailed for evading the police.

Featured

Going to court

August 19, 2026

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Going to court

What Happens After Police Have Charged Me With a Traffic Offence?

Going to court

What is a QP9 and Why is it Important to Your Charge?

A QP9 (Queensland Police Form 9 or police court brief) is a document prepared by the Police Prosecutions unit when someone is charged with an offence. The QP9 lists the exact charge with a brief description of the facts which the Police are alleging against you as well as attaching any criminal or traffic history. Depending on what Court your matter is to be heard in, and how busy the Police are, the document will be provided prior to your Court date or at Court.

Going to court

What to Wear, Bring and Do at Court for a Drink Driving Charge

Facing a drink driving charge in Queensland can be a daunting experience, but being prepared and organised can significantly ease the process. Going to court requires careful planning and ensuring you have all the necessary documents and items can make a big difference in presenting your case effectively.

Going to court

Character References for Traffic Charges

When facing a traffic law charge in court, the importance of character references cannot be overstated. These references provide the court with valuable insights into the individual’s character, helping judges and legal professionals better understand the person beyond the traffic charges they face. Selecting the right person to vouch for your character is crucial, as their credibility and knowledge about you can significantly impact the court’s perception.

Going to court

How to Appeal a Traffic Conviction in Queensland

Going to court

Should You Represent Yourself in Court for a Traffic Matter?

If you have been charged with a traffic offence in Queensland, you may be tempted to represent yourself in court and save money on legal fees. You may have taken advice from friends or family who think they know how the Queensland court deal with charges like drink driving, drug driving, unlicensed driving etc who tell you its easy just go to court and say sorry to the magistrate and you will be fine.

Going to court Programs

Traffic Offender Programs

One of the questions a traffic lawyer will be asked in the early days of the life of a traffic matter is, “Do I need to do a traffic offenders course before court?”. This is a question, that inevitably shares an answer those who’ve had to engage a lawyer have heard before……it depends.

Going to court

How a Traffic Matter Proceeds in the Southport Magistrates Court

You’ve been pulled over, tested and charged with a drink or drug driving offence and it’s now your court date. You arrive to the Southport Magistrates Court at 8.30am and stand in line to be searched through security.

Going to court

Arrested for Drink or Drug Driving What Should I Do Next

Are you wondering what steps to take after being arrested for drink or drug driving in Queensland? Read this informative article and discover the necessary actions to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process.

Going to court

Licence Disqualifications in the Children’s Court

This short guide aims to outline how licence disqualifications are dealt with in the Children’s Court in Queensland. There are a variety of offences under Queensland law which attract mandatory and discretionary licence disqualifications.

Going to court

What Happens on the First Court Date for Traffic Charges?

You have been given a Notice to Appear at court for a traffic offence. You must show up to court on the date specified in the Notice to Appear. The question is, what happens on the first court date? In this post, we will outline the options you have for dealing with your matter. In short, you have three options: seek an adjournment, plead not guilty, or plead guilty. We will discuss each of these options in turn.

Going to court Negotiations

Negotiating with a Prosecutor in Queensland

Whenever you are charged with a traffic offence there is usually the scope to try and negotiate those charges with the police prosecutor or the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions (“DPP”). This is known as case conferencing in Queensland.

Going to court

How Drink Driving Matters are Heard in Queensland

A drink driving charge is one of the most common offences dealt with in Queensland Courts. Over 30,000 people face court each year charged with drink driving. Knowing how a court will deal with a drink driving charge is important for anyone facing the court for this charge.

Home / Blog

130+ guides · written by our lawyers

The Driving Law blog

Talk to an expert today — free.

Featured

Going to court

Steven Brough

Most popular

Featured

Going to court

Steven Brough

Most popular

Featured

Going to court

Steven Brough

Most popular

Featured

Going to court

Steven Brough

Most popular

Featured

Going to court

Steven Brough