Special Range Drink Driving| Sydney Traffic Lawyers
- Criminal Lawyers in Sydney

- May 5, 2021
- 2 min read
Police now have the option of either issuing you a penalty notice with a fine of $561.00 and impose a 3-month immediate licence suspension for any driver who blows a special range PCA (Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol) reading.
You can elect to take the matter to the Local Court.
You can:
Plead Not Guilty if you disagree with the reading or have an available legal defence; or
Guilty with an explanation and make an application for a Conditional Release Order (without a Conviction) ‘non-conviction order’, known socially as a ‘Section 10’ which means the offence will be dismissed, no conviction will be recorded, no penalty, and as if the offence had never occurred.
Our Sydney Traffic Lawyers can give you initial advice if you are considering either course and help you develop a Legal Defence or the best Defence Case on Sentence.
What is Special Range Drink Driving?
Special Range Drink Driving occurs when a driver holds a special category licence and after being tested by a Police Officer in their duty or during a Random Breath Test (RBT) and returns a blood alcohol concentration level between 0.020 and 0.049. If you take the matter to Court and are convicted, you will be disqualified from driving by the Court.
Alternatively, the Court can impose a Conditional Release Order without conviction ‘non-conviction’ / “Section 10” and you will not be disqualified and a criminal conviction will not be entered.
What are the penalties for Special Range Drink Driving ?
First Offence:
The current Automatic Period of Disqualification is 6 months if you have not been convicted of a Major Traffic Offence (as defined in the Road Transport Act) in the last 5 years at the time of your offending conduct.
A Local Court Magistrate has the power to reduce the disqualification period to a minimum of 3 months.
The Court can also impose a fine, with a maximum amount of $2,200.00.
Second or Subsequent Offence
If you have committed a 2nd or subsequent major traffic offence within 5 years, there are different laws that apply. The penalties for this offence includes:
A 3 month disqualification can be reduced to 1 month; with
A Mandatory Interlock Device installed in your vehicle for a period of 12 months; and/or
A fine up to $3,300.
If you take the matter to Court and are convicted, you will be disqualified from driving by the Court.
Alternatively, the Court can impose a Conditional Release Order without conviction ‘non-conviction’ / “Section 10” and you will not be disqualified and a criminal conviction will not be entered.
What is a Mandatory Interlock Order?
A Mandatory Interlock Order is an order made by the Court which requires a driver to have a device installed which monitors your alcohol consumption and must be blown into before using the vehicle.
Alternatively the Court can make an Exemption Order which does not require the device to be installed in your vehicle in certain circumstances.




The article sheds light on the complexities surrounding traffic offences related to alcohol consumption, particularly in the context of laws that vary by region. The mention of the legal options available emphasizes the dichotomy of penalties versus alternatives such as the Conditional Release Order. It raises questions about how effective these measures are in deterring repeat offences, especially given that Vegas Now may serve as a contrasting model where enforcement can be more lenient or variable. The implications for drivers are significant.
The article presents an interesting perspective on the penalties related to driving under the influence. It highlights the nuances of the law, particularly regarding the options available to drivers facing charges. The mention of The Pokies in the context of addiction and its potential impact on decision-making raises questions about how recreational activities might influence driving behavior. Analyzing these connections could lead to a broader understanding of driver accountability and public safety.
The intricate legal framework surrounding drink driving penalties raises several concerns about fairness and the efficacy of deterrence. The introduction of options like a Conditional Release Order demonstrates an attempt to balance punishment with rehabilitation. However, the implications for repeat offenders warrant scrutiny, as they often face harsher consequences. It prompts a reflection on whether the system effectively addresses the root causes of such behavior. The concept of Royal Reels could symbolize the cyclical nature of offenses and penalties, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach.
The article presents a complex overview of the legal consequences surrounding special range drink driving in Sydney. The options available to those charged with such offences, particularly the Conditional Release Order, raise significant questions about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. Understanding the implications of a Pay ID https://phonesat.org/ payment for fines or legal services might affect many in their decision-making process regarding whether to contest charges in court. Overall, the legal landscape is intricate.
The implications of the new penalties for special range drink driving raise important questions about justice and fairness in enforcement. While the option of a Conditional Release Order exists, the stigma attached to a drink driving charge can persist. It is crucial to weigh the potential outcomes, particularly considering how a violation can affect one's livelihood and reputation in society, especially in terms of Katsubet regulations. Understanding these dynamics is essential for informed decision-making.