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Drive While Impaired By Drugs

Drive While Impaired By Drugs

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Drive while impaired by drugs is when you are under the influence of drugs and are driving a vehicle. Or you refuse to comply with a drug test after being stopped while driving. Often people are charged with this who had taken drugs a number of days prior.
 
drive while impaired by drugs
Sentencing
Sentencing in the higher courts of Victoria Sentencing Statistics Pie Chart for Drive Whilst Exceeding Prescribed Concentration of Drugs - s. 49(1)(bb) in the Higher CourtsSentencing in the Magistrates’ Courts of VictoriaSentencing Statistics Pie Chart for Drive or In Charge of Vehicle While Exceeding Prescribed Concentration of Drugs - s. 49(1)(bb) in the Magistrates' CourtsMore sentencing statistics can be found under the “Case studies and other information” section below.
  • Driving a car after taking illegal drugs
  • Being stopped by the Police for a drug test and refusing to take the test

  • You did not take any illegal drugs
  • You took other legal medication (i.e. sinus medication) that has shown up as illegal drugs
  • There has been an error in the taking of your sample
There are other possible defences, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offending. Each matter is unique and requires an individual approach and strategy.

Questions that are asked in cases like this:
  • Were you on any medication at the time?
  • Did you take any illegal drugs before driving?

Maximum penalty and court that deals with this charge

There is a maximum penalty of a fine of 12 penalty units for anyone found guilty of drug driving (s49 of the Road Safety Act 1986) as a first offence, including a licence disqualification of at least 12 months.

For a second time offence, the maximum penalty is a 6 month disqualification and up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of 120 penalty units.

For the third or more time offence, the maximum penalty is 18 months imprisonment and/or a fine of 180 penalty units.

New regulations that came into effect from 31 January 2018 mean that Victorian offenders will face Victorian driving penalties should they be caught interstate.

The offence of driving while impaired by drugs is a charge regularly heard in the Magistrates’ Court.

“Did you take drugs and drive?”

 

What is the legal definition of Drive While Impaired By Drugs?
Driving while under the influence of an illicit drug.

The Law
The section that covers this offence is section 49 of the Road Safety Act 1986.
 
Other Important Resources
Case Studies
Other sentencing outcomes
Other sentencing outcomes in the Magistrates’ Courts of VictoriaSentencing Statistics Pie Chart for Drive or In Charge of Vehicle Whilst Under Influence of Drug - s. 49(1)(a) in the Magistrates' CourtsSentencing Statistics Pie Chart for Drive or In Charge of Vehicle Whilst Impaired By a Drug - s. 49(1)(ba) in the Magistrates' Courts
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