NSW drink drivers will immediately lose their license

The new “zero tolerance” policy includes an almost $600 fine.

Above video: How much do Aussies drink?

Anyone caught driving over the legal alcohol limit in NSW will face an on-the-spot three month license 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 licence 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.

Source: AAP

Share
Follow The Feed
Through award winning storytelling, The Feed continues to break new ground with its compelling mix of current affairs, comedy, profiles and investigations. See Different. Know Better. Laugh Harder. Read more about The Feed
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Through award winning storytelling, The Feed continues to break new ground with its compelling mix of current affairs, comedy, profiles and investigations. See Different. Know Better. Laugh Harder.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow The Feed
1 min read

Published


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world