Drinking or drug use

Never drive under the influence or drugs or alcohol.

icon showing drugs and alcohol with a cross through them

Have you ever thought one drink won't matter? Even if you are below the legal limit, a small amount of alcohol will seriously alter your ability to drive.

Alcohol slows your reaction times and impairs your judgement of risk, speed, and distance. The only safe option is not to drive if you intend to drink.

Plan your journey home

If you are not staying overnight, you could:

designate a driver who won't drink
book a taxi
use public transport (check bus or train schedules in advance)
if it's a safe option, walk home (plan your route)

The morning after

Even if you feel fine the next day, you might still exceed the legal alcohol limit. Factors such as age, gender, weight, and the timing of your last meal affect how long alcohol stays in your system.

The only way to ensure alcohol has sufficiently cleared your body is by allowing time. Coffee, sleep, and showers will not accelerate this process.

Breathalyser tests can detect alcohol for up to 24 hours after drinking. Make sure to plan your activities to ensure safe driving.

View a guide to the minimum time to allow before driving.

Medication and driving

Drug driving: Know the risks

Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal and dangerous. Since 2015, the law makes it easier for police to catch and convict drug drivers.

The facts

It’s an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above the legal limit – including illegal and some prescription drugs.
Roadside tests can detect cannabis and cocaine; other drugs like ecstasy, ketamine, and heroin are screened at the station.
Even if you pass a roadside test, you can still be arrested if your driving is impaired.

The penalties