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Driving while exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol (1)

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Written by
Kristina Kothrakis
Criminal Defence Lawyer

Contact Kristina Kothrakis 

03 9670 5111


Driving - Drink Driving Offences - VIC
The Law - Drink Driving exceed PCA (1)

What the Law states - Drink Driving exceed PCA (1)


Road Safety Act 1986 - SECT 49

Offences involving alcohol or other drugs

49. Offences involving alcohol or other drugs

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he or she- 

(b)  drives a motor vehicle or is in charge of a motor vehicle while the prescribed concentration of alcohol or more than the prescribed concentration of alcohol is present in his or her blood or breath;

Maximum Penalty in Victoria


First offence: 12 penalty units

Second offence:

6 months / 60 penalty units (if the concentration of alcohol in the person's blood was less than 0×15 grams per 100 millilitres of blood; or in the person's breath was less than 0×15 grams per 210 litres of exhaled air as the case requires).


12 months / 120 penalty units (if the concentration of alcohol in the person's blood was 0×15 grams or more per 100 millilitres of blood; or in the person's breath was 0×15 grams or more per 210 litres of exhaled air as the case requires).

Subsequent offence:


12 months / 120 penalty units (if the concentration of alcohol in the person's blood was less than 0×15 grams per 100 millilitres of blood; or in the person's breath was less than 0×15 grams per 210 litres of exhaled air as the case requires).

18 months / 180 penalty units (if the concentration of alcohol in the person's blood was 0×15 grams or more per 100 millilitres of blood; or in the person's breath was 0×15 grams or more per 210 litres of exhaled air as the case requires).

Note: A person who is guilty of an accompanying driver offence is liable to a fine of not more than 5 penalty units.

What the Prosecution must prove - Drink Driving exceed PCA (1) - Vic


(a) The accused was driving or was in charge of the motor vehicle.

(b) The accused had the prescribed concentration of alcohol or more present in his/her blood or breath.

Street names for Driving while exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol (1)


Drink driving, driving impaired, driving under the influence

Possible Defences - Drink Driving exceed PCA (1)


(a) Factual dispute.

(b) The breath analysing instrument used was not in proper working order or properly operated (s49(4)).

Which court will hear the charge of Drink Driving exceed PCA (1)



Magistrates' Court.
Article published on 01/09/2009. To check if any changes to the law please discuss with one of our lawyers.
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