Is it legal to drink and walk?
Drink driving is one of the main causes of road deaths in South Australia, but it’s not often you hear about the dangers of hitting the footpath with an alcoholic beverage in hand. So, is drink walking an offence?
In South Australia, there’s no specific offence for drink walking, but it can come with its risks.
RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says pedestrians can walk along a footpath while consuming alcohol but there are some rules.
“Walkers can consume alcohol while walking if they’re aged 18 years or over and not within a declared dry zone where the consumption and possession of alcohol is prohibited, like at a beach or in a car park,” Charles says.
Drink walking safely
According to recent South Australia Police (SAPOL) figures, 17 pedestrians were killed in 2025, compared to 10 in 2024.
Charles says the alarming number comes as a reminder for pedestrians to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings.
“Pedestrians should be aware that the consumption of alcohol can impede a person’s mental and cognitive ability which can reduce their spatial awareness, make them more at risk to tripping, falls or errors of judgement when attempting to cross a road,” he says.
Pedestrian penalties
In Adelaide, the city streets and squares are designated as dry areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means it’s illegal to consume alcohol or carry an open liquor container a public space without a permit.
While it’s legal to consume alcohol when you’re walking on a footpath that’s not part of a dry zone, penalties apply to pedestrians who pose a risk to themselves or other road users – drunk or not.
Pedestrians face a $61 fine, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy, if they cause a traffic hazard, stay on the road for longer than necessary, fail to cross the road at pedestrian lights or travel along a road without using a footpath if one is available.
Remember, bigger penalties apply for being drunk and disorderly where the public is present, like on the road. In South Australia, the maximum penalty for such offences is $1250 or imprisonment for three months.
Final word
As the silly season ends and Mad March begins, Charles says all road users, whether behind the wheel or on the footpath, should remain aware of their surroundings.
“Always walk on footpaths and use designated crossing points where available,” he says.
“Enjoy alcohol in moderation, but remember, even moderate alcohol consumption can impair your cognitive function and impact your ability to make safe decisions.”