Special Range PCA for Professional & Heavy Vehicle Drivers NSW

17 January 2024 in Criminal Law | 2 min read | skip to FAQs

The offence of special range drink driving (NSW) occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle on a public road with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ranging from 0.02 to 0.049. This charge typically applies to individuals with a special licence such as P1 provisional licence holders, or P2 provisional license holders. This is known as a novice drink driving charge. It also affects bus and taxi drivers who typically have a 0.02 limit while providing their services. S110 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW)

What Is The Penalty for Special Range Drink Driving?

Law enforcement can issue either:

1. An infringement notice with a $572 fine, or
2. A court attendance notice for the offence.

If an infringement notice is received, an immediate suspension notice from the police or subsequently from Transport for NSW will suspend the licence for three months. For a court attendance notice or if the matter goes to court, the maximum penalty depends on whether the person is a first offender (20 penalty units) or a second and subsequent offender (30 penalty units).

If a court records a conviction, a disqualification order must be made. The automatic disqualification period for a first-time offender is 6 months, but the court can reduce it, with the minimum disqualification period being 3 months. Whether an infringement notice or a court attendance notice is issued, law enforcement can also issue an immediate notice of suspension, leading to the instant suspension of the offender’s driver’s licence for a period of 3 months.

Do Infringement Notices Go On My Criminal Record?

No. The offence of special range drink driving will be documented on your traffic record and/or infringements record but will not be included in their criminal record.

Do I Need To Attend Court If I Receive An Infringement Notice for a Special Range Drink Driving Charge?

You are not required to attend court unless you choose to make a court election or wish to appeal the immediate notice of suspension or the Transport for NSW notice of suspension. Appeals must be filed at a Local Court Registry, accompanied by a filing fee, relevant legal forms, and associated paperwork.

Will I Get A Criminal Record If I Receive A Court Attendance Notice for a Special Range Drink Driving Charge?

If the court decides to record a conviction, you will have a criminal record. Drink driving is considered a serious offence, and the typical sentencing involves recording a criminal conviction, imposing a fine, and enforcing a period of licence disqualification.

How can BSM Sydney Lawyers assist you?

It is important that you receive legal advice. Many drink driving offences are criminal offences which may result in a criminal record and possibly a jail sentence. At Brander Smith McKnight, we have assisted many hundreds of clients with these charges. Our criminal lawyers will provide you with legal advice to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome. This may include:

1. Preparing you for court
2. Obtaining character references
3. Obtain evidence of hardship of licence disqualification, such as caring for a sick relative or the need for a licence for employment
4. Obtaining medical or psychological reports
5. Obtaining references from employers
6. Completing traffic offender programs

Brander Smith McKnight criminal lawyers will carefully prepare submissions for sentencing, presenting the best possible legal case to achieve the best outcome. Our experienced lawyers will appear in court for you, advocate strongly for you and handle the entire court process. The senior criminal lawyers at BSM Sydney Lawyers offer a free 20-minute consultation.

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BSM Lawyer Sydney has offices conveniently located in Sydney CBD, Sutherland, Parramatta, Shellharbour and Wollongong.