Section 79 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act Queensland states:

(1)     Any person who while under the influence of liquor or a drug-

(a) drives a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel; or

(b) attempts to put in motion a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel; or

(c) is in charge of a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel;

         is guilty of an offence. 

(1B)   If within the period of 5 years before conviction for an offence under subsection (1) the offender has been previously convicted on indictment of any offence in connection with or arising out of the driving of a motor vehicle by the offender or summarily of an offence against any provision of the Criminal Code, section 328A  the offender is liable for the first mentioned offence to a maximum penalty of 60 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.

 (3)     If on the hearing of a complaint of an offence against subsection (1) the court is satisfied that at the material time the defendant was over the high alcohol limit, the defendant is conclusively presumed to have been under the influence of liquor.

In order for the Police to prove their case at Court, they must prove each of the following matters beyond a reasonable doubt:

The accused:

(1) Was:

(a) driving a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel; OR

(b) attempting to put a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel into motion; OR

(c) In charge of a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel; AND

(2) Was under the influence of liquor or a drug; AND

(3) Has in the last 5 years, been convicted of any one of the following:

(a) Any indictable offence arising from driving a motor vehicle; OR

(b) Any summary offence arising from Dangerous Driving section 328A of the Criminal Code.

It will be necessary for the Police in every offence to prove that the accused was the person who committed the offence. Click here to learn more about identification evidence.

Maximum Penalty - 60 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.  

Licence Disqualification - 1 year unless the Magistrate makes a specific order otherwise.

Minimum Licence Disqualification - 1 year.

Max Licence Disqualification - at Magistrate's discretion.

Penalty Unit = $100.00.

Persons convicted under this section are not entitled to apply for a work licence.

In order for the Police to prove their case at Court, they must prove each of the following matters beyond a reasonable doubt:

The accused:

(1) Was:

(a) driving a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel; OR

(b) attempting to put a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel into motion; OR

(c) In charge of a motor vehicle, tram, train or vessel; AND

(2) Was under the influence of liquor or a drug; AND

(3) Has in the last 5 years, been convicted of any one of the following:

(a) Any indictable offence arising from driving a motor vehicle; OR

(b) Any summary offence arising from Dangerous Driving section 328A of the Criminal Code.

It will be necessary for the Police in every offence to prove that the accused was the person who committed the offence. Click here to learn more about identification evidence.