Low Range PCA refers to a blood alcohol reading above 0.05 and up to 0.079. However, you may not have to attend court if you are charged with this offence.
Will I lose my licence for low range drink driving?
If it is a first offence, police can suspend your licence on the spot for 3 months. In addition, you’ll receive a fine. It is possible to appeal this suspension.
If police don’t suspend your licence, the RMS will send you a letter advising you that your licence will be suspended for a period of 3 months. Again, it is possible to appeal this suspension.
If you are given a court attendance notice, then a magistrate can impose a licence disqualification period of up to 6 months. However, it is possible to avoid losing your licence if you are sentenced to a conditional release order without conviction.
Will I have to go to court?
The police have an option of issuing you an infringement notice or a court attendance notice for this offence.
You only need to attend court if you receive a court attendance notice.
Infringement Notice Received
If you receive an infringement notice you do not have to go to court. However, you have the option of going to court by electing the infringement. As a result, your matter will be determined by a court. You can ask the magistrate for a non conviction.
Court Attendance Notice Received
If you receive a court attendance notice, you must attend court.
Low Range PCA Penalty
If pleading guilty to the offence, a magistrate can issue a fine of up to $2,200, and disqualify your licence for a maximum of 6 months, or a minimum of 3 months.
However, it’s possible to avoid a conviction if you receive a conditional release order.
If you receive an infringement notice, you will receive a fine and your licence will be suspended for 3 months.
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