PRESS RELEASE: Harper Finch Lawyers Alerts Queensland Drivers to Tougher Dangerous and Drug Driving Laws Ahead of the Holiday Season
Brisbane traffic and criminal law firm outlines key changes passed by the Queensland Parliament in September 2026
BRISBANE, QLD, NOV. 3, 2026 — Harper Finch Lawyers, a Brisbane-based traffic and criminal law firm, encourages Queensland drivers to familiarise themselves with major changes to the state’s dangerous driving and drug driving laws, which begin taking effect ahead of the busy holiday driving period.
In September 2026, the Queensland Parliament passed the Criminal Code (Dangerous Driving) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 and the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026. Together, the laws overhaul the state’s dangerous driving offences and increase penalties for drink driving, drug driving and extreme speeding.
Key changes include higher maximum penalties for dangerous driving, with up to five or seven years’ imprisonment where no death or grievous bodily harm is caused, and up to 16 or 25 years where it is. Minimum licence disqualification periods will increase, and mandatory imprisonment will apply to a broader range of serious and repeat dangerous driving offenders.
Under the transport reforms, penalties for drug driving will double, with higher fines and longer licence disqualifications. A new combined offence will apply when a driver commits drink and drug driving offences at the same time. Drivers caught travelling more than 40 km/h over the speed limit will face an immediate six-month licence suspension, and minimum court-imposed fines will apply to certain offences. Further changes planned for 2027 include a streamlined roadside drug testing process and a mandatory drug driving education program for repeat offenders.
The changes come as the Queensland Government reports that drug driving has overtaken drink driving as the leading cause of motor vehicle deaths in the state.
Harper Finch Lawyers advises and represents clients charged with traffic offences, including drink and drug driving, dangerous driving, speeding and licence-related matters, as well as a wide range of criminal offences.
The firm assists clients whether they intend to plead guilty or not guilty, and represents clients in courts across Queensland, including regional centres. Free initial consultations are available.
Drivers facing a traffic or criminal charge should seek legal advice about their individual circumstances, as penalties and options can vary significantly depending on the offence and the person’s traffic and criminal history.
About Harper Finch Lawyers
Harper Finch Lawyers is a traffic and criminal law firm based in Brisbane’s CBD, representing clients across Queensland in matters ranging from traffic and licence offences to serious criminal charges. More information is available at https://www.harperfinch.com.au.
