All drink driving offenders can now immediately lose their licence under tough new penalties announced by the Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance
From May 20 drink drivers who are first-time, lower range offenders will receive an immediate three month licence suspension and fine of $561.
“This means anyone caught drink‐driving in NSW, at any level, including low-range, can now lose their licence immediately,” Mr Constance said.
“This reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price. We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving.”
Under the new laws, simpler and more certain penalties will also apply for drug drivers.
Offenders who drive with the presence of illicit drugs for the first time will receive a $561 fine and a three month licence suspension if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.
Alcohol related crashes claimed the lives of at least 68 people on NSW roads last year, accounting for nearly one in five road deaths, including 55 lives lost on country roads.
Fatalities from crashes involving a drug driver accounted for similar numbers of deaths.
“Drivers who have an illegal level of alcohol in their blood or have used illegal drugs have no place on the road,” Mr Constance said.
Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy said this reform will protect all road users by ensuring swift and certain penalties.
“Alcohol is one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads.The 0.05 blood alcohol limit has been in place for almost 38 years. There are no more excuses,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
