News · Criminal law explainer
How long do you lose your licence for drink driving in NSW?
The first thing most people want to know after a drink-driving charge is how long they will be off the road. In New South Wales the answer depends on the range, whether it is a first or repeat offence, and whether the interlock program applies. This note explains the typical disqualification periods and the court's discretion.
By Aaron Kernaghan · Published 3 September 2026
It depends on the range and your history. For most drink-driving offences the mandatory alcohol interlock program applies, giving a shorter disqualification followed by an interlock period. For a first high-range PCA with an interlock order, the disqualification is a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 9 months, then the interlock. Where an interlock exemption is granted, the disqualification is much longer. Lower ranges carry shorter periods.
What decides the disqualification period?
Three things drive the period: the range of the reading (novice, special, low, mid, or high range), whether it is a first or a repeat offence, and whether the mandatory alcohol interlock program applies. For most alcohol PCA offences, the interlock program applies, which changes the structure of the disqualification.
For each offence there is an automatic period and a minimum period. The court can move between the minimum and the automatic period, so there is some discretion, but the range is set by the offence.
High-range PCA
For a first high-range PCA, where the interlock program applies and an interlock order is made, the disqualification is a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 9 months, followed by a period on an interlock licence. Where an interlock exemption is granted, the disqualification is an automatic 3 years with a minimum of 12 months.
For a second or later high-range PCA, the periods are longer again. High range is treated as the most serious of the PCA offences, and the guideline judgment shapes how these matters are sentenced.
Mid and low range
Mid-range PCA carries shorter periods than high range but still involves the interlock program for most offenders, with a shorter disqualification followed by an interlock period, and longer periods for repeat offences. Low-range PCA and the novice and special ranges carry shorter disqualifications again, often a matter of months.
The exact figures depend on the range and the history, so it is worth getting advice on the specific offence. Our notes on high range, mid range, and low range set out the detail.
The interlock program and the disqualification
The mandatory alcohol interlock program is why the disqualification is often shorter than people expect: instead of a long straight disqualification, there is a shorter disqualification and then a period driving on an interlock licence. For most drivers the interlock is the better path, because it gets them back on the road sooner.
An interlock exemption, which removes the interlock but imposes a much longer straight disqualification, is only for limited cases. Our note on the interlock program explains the choice.
Can the period be reduced?
The court can impose a disqualification anywhere between the minimum and the automatic period, so good material about your circumstances can help reduce it towards the minimum. In some cases a section 10 avoids a disqualification altogether, where the facts allow.
So the period is not simply fixed. How the matter is presented at sentence can affect both whether there is a disqualification and how long it is.
Frequently asked.
How long do you lose your licence for drink driving in NSW?
It depends on the range and your history. For a first high-range PCA with an interlock order, the disqualification is a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 9 months, then an interlock period. Lower ranges carry shorter periods.
What is the disqualification for high-range PCA?
For a first offence with an interlock order, a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 9 months, then an interlock licence. With an interlock exemption, an automatic 3 years with a minimum of 12 months. Repeat offences are longer.
Are mid and low range shorter?
Yes. Mid range carries shorter periods than high range, and low range and the novice and special ranges carry shorter disqualifications again, often a matter of months, depending on the history.
Why is the disqualification shorter with an interlock?
Because the interlock program replaces a long straight disqualification with a shorter disqualification followed by a period driving on an interlock licence, getting most drivers back on the road sooner.
Can the disqualification be reduced?
The court can impose a period between the minimum and the automatic period, so good material can help reduce it. In some cases a section 10 avoids a disqualification altogether where the facts allow.
To speak to a criminal defence lawyer, call Aaron Kernaghan on 0421 717 019.
This article is written by Aaron Kernaghan, criminal defence lawyer at Good Legal Lawyers, as at 3 September 2026. It is commentary and reflects the personal opinion of the author only. It is not legal advice, it is not a substitute for advice on your own matter, and it does not purport to be accurate or complete. Any matter referred to may be before the court and any person charged is presumed innocent. For advice on a specific matter, contact Aaron Kernaghan on 0421 717 019 or contact the firm.
More criminal-law commentary by Aaron Kernaghan.
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