Anyone caught driving over the legal alcohol limit in NSW will face an on-the-spot three-month licence suspension under a new stricter regime.
From May 20 2019, first time, low-range drink-drivers (blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to less than 0.08) will be hit with a minimum fine of $561 and the immediate three-month driving suspension.
It’s part of a new “zero tolerance” policy introduced by Roads Minister Andrew Constance.
“This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any level, including low-range, can now lose their license immediately,” Constance said in a statement on Monday.
Drivers found with drugs in their system will face the same penalties if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.
Previous laws stipulated no immediate suspension of licence unless court ordered.
Approximately 68 people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year with drug-driving resulting in similar deaths.
