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Queensland and NSW implement divergent drug-driving laws
Australian states Queensland and New South Wales are implementing divergent approaches to drug-driving legislation.
Queensland has passed the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026, which will increase penalties for drug-driving offences starting December 1, 2026. The maximum fine for driving with a relevant drug in the system will double from 14 to 28 penalty units, reaching approximately $4,836. Additionally, the minimum licence disqualification for a first offence will increase from one month to two months. The state continues to use a presence-based system, penalising drivers if specific drugs like methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, or THC are detected, regardless of impairment.
In contrast, New South Wales is moving to relax laws for motorists using legally prescribed medicinal cannabis. The Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026 passed Parliament in September 2026. Once implemented, likely in late 2026 or early 2027, eligible drivers will be able to avoid penalties if they hold an unrestricted licence, register with Transport for NSW, provide proof of a valid prescription, and complete a mandatory driver education program. The scheme will not apply to learner, provisional, or commercial licence holders.
Entities
NSW Parliament · New South Wales · Queensland · Queensland Parliament · Transport for NSW
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Queensland, the maximum penalty for driving with a relevant drug in blood or saliva will increase from 14 to 28 penalty units. www.perthnow.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Under the new NSW scheme, eligible medicinal cannabis users must hold an unrestricted licence, register with Transport for NSW, and complete an approved education program. www.perthnow.com.au · 7news.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The proposed NSW medicinal cannabis driving scheme excludes learner, provisional, and commercial licence holders. www.perthnow.com.au · 7news.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The NSW Parliament passed the Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026 on September 17, 2026. www.perthnow.com.au · 7news.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Queensland is increasing the minimum licence disqualification for a first drug-driving offence from one month to two months. www.perthnow.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Queensland Parliament passed the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026. www.perthnow.com.au