2017 was a devastating year on NSW roads. 392 people lost their lives in a year with the highest road toll since 2010.
Under new laws that will be introduced by Mid 2019, driver’s who commit a low-range drink driving offence will lose their licence on the spot for a period of three months as well as incur a fine of $561.00.
You will be penalised for low range drink drinking if your blood alcohol reading is anywhere between 0.05 and 0.079.
Driver’s who are detected roadside to have an illegal substance present in their blood will also be fined and lose their licence on the spot for a period of three months.
First time Mid Range drink driving offenders will be required to have an alcohol interlock device installed in their vehicle. You will be penalised for mid range drink driving if your blood alcohol reading in anywhere between 0.08 to less than 0.15.
The Alcohol Interlock Program is designed to ensure offenders separate their drinking from driving and improve safety for all road users. An Alcohol Interlock device is an electronic breath testing device that is linked to the ignition system of cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles. Drivers must provide a breath sample that the interlock analyses for the presence of alcohol before the vehicle will start.
These new laws are a key priority of the Road Safety Plan 2021. The Road Safety Plan is targeted at providing safer communities and safer country roads by utilising current technologies and implementing harsher penalties for drink and drug driving.
Remember double demerits commence at midnight on 20 December 2018 until 1 January 2019 (inclusive). Be sure not to drink-drive or drive whilst under the influence of illicit substance. If you find yourself in trouble with the law, be sure to contact our Criminal Law Department on (02) 4647 7577 or contact or 24-hour criminal law hotline on (02) 8324 7527.
If you have any questions or for further information contact:
Luisa Gaetani
Senior Lawyer
luisa@couttslegal.com.au
02 4607 2112
This blog is merely general and non specific information on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal advice. Coutts is not responsible for any cost, expense, loss or liability whatsoever in relation to this blog, including all or any reliance on this blog or use or application of this blog by you.
