{
  "id": 8087028,
  "title": "Drug drivers will face higher fines under new Queensland laws",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/drug-drivers-will-face-higher-fines-under-new-queensland-laws",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T19:39:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-18/queensland-drug-drink-driving-penalties-increased/107165830"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Queensland has implemented stricter penalties for drug and drink driving with the aim of enhancing road safety. Beginning in December, drivers testing positive for methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, or THC in their saliva will face fines up to $4,835 and a minimum two-month license suspension. Those with detectable drugs in their blood or saliva will face higher fines. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg stated these reforms are evidence-based, informed by experts and crash data, and intended to reflect the gravity of the offense. Current statistics show a 35% increase in the road toll from 2019 to 2024, underscoring the severity of the issue. Under the new laws, penalties for drug driving and combined drink-and-drug offenses will be more severe, with a minimum fine for drink or drug driving. The government acknowledged concerns about the detectability of THC in saliva for up to three days post-use and the potential impact on medicinal cannabis users, but emphasized that road safety remains the top priority.",
  "summary": "Drink and drug drivers will face higher penalties under new laws passed in Queensland parliament.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}