Safety
Drugs and alcohol laws in Australia
Recreational drugs are illegal under state laws. Medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated. The legal drinking age is 18 and Random Breath Testing is universal. How convictions affect visas.
Published 17 May 2026 · Last reviewed 17 May 2026
Australia is conservative about drug enforcement and has tight rules around alcohol.
Drugs
- All recreational drugs (cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin) are illegal under state laws.
- Medicinal cannabis is legal with a prescription but tightly regulated. Driving under its influence still attracts penalties under most state laws.
- Small-quantity decriminalisation programs exist in some states (e.g. ACT for personal-use cannabis, some pilot diversion programs in others) but possession is still problematic.
- A drug conviction can affect your visa and future migration applications.
Alcohol
- Legal drinking age is 18.
- "Liquor licensing" rules govern who can sell alcohol and when — most pubs and bottle-shops operate under tight conditions.
- Random Breath Testing (RBT) is universal — police can stop you for a breath test at any time. Limits: 0.05 BAC for fully licensed, 0.00 BAC for learner/provisional drivers.
- Public drinking laws vary by council — some parks allow it, many don't.
Driving offences in brief
Covered more fully in driving rules and getting a licence. The legal essentials:
- Drive on the left.
- Seat belts compulsory for all occupants.
- Mobile phones — no use while driving except hands-free, even at red lights.
- Speed cameras (fixed, mobile and average-speed) are common. Fines are large; demerit points accumulate.
- Demerit points can be applied to overseas licences in most states.
- Drink driving is treated seriously — first offence can include immediate licence suspension and a court appearance.