While it’s illegal to drink alcohol while driving in Australia, no matter whether you’re under the limit or not, Australia has no specific laws against eating or drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving. The Tasmanian Government guidelines for learner drivers instructs drivers to avoid eating or drinking while driving. While the SA Driver’s Handbook explicitly lists eating and drinking as distractions that can take the driver’s attention away from the road.

If you’re distracted while driving, you could face a fine and demerit points. See the applicable rule and penalty for each state in the table below:

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