NSW has three blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits: zero, under 0.02 and under 0.05

In New South Wales, the prescribed blood alcohol limits depend upon the type of license a driver holds. All novice drivers holding learner’s licenses, provisional 1 and 2 licenses and all visiting drivers holding an overseas or interstate learner, provisional or equivalent licenses are required to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.0 when they operate a motor vehicle on the road. This strict blood alcohol limit on novice drivers was enforced because novice drivers are still developing their driving skills. This means that novice drivers cannot consume alcohol before they drive.

Drivers of vehicles with a ‘gross vehicle mass’ that is more than 13.9 tonnes, those drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods and drivers of taxi cabs and buses are required to have no more than 0.02 blood alcohol concentration. As it takes just a small glass of wine to reach a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02, it is also recommended for these drivers not to consume any alcohol prior to driving a motor vehicle. All other drivers holding licenses not falling under the blood alcohol limit of 0.0 or 0.2 is subject to a blood alcohol limit of 0.05.