ALL drink-drivers will lose their licences under new crackdown on boozy motorists

Anyone caught drink-driving in NSW will now lose their licence under new law
From May 20, drink drivers will lose licence for three months and be fined $561
The penalties are part of tough road safety plan to reduce alcohol-related trauma

By Mark Brook For Daily Mail Australia and Australian Associated Press

Published: 00:11 EDT, 6 May 2019 | Updated: 00:48 EDT, 6 May 2019

Anyone caught drink-driving in NSW will lose their licence immediately under a tough new penalty regime that will also see offenders fined almost $600.

From May 20, low-range drink-drivers will be slapped with an on-the-spot suspension of their licence for three months and a fine of $561 - even if it's their first time.

Roads Minister Andrew Constance said NSW is taking a 'zero-tolerance' approach to drink and drug-driving.

Anyone caught drink-driving in NSW will lose their licence immediately under a tough new penalty regime that will also see offenders fined almost $600

'This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any level, including low-range, can now lose their licence immediately,' the minister said in a statement on Monday.

The penalties have been strengthened as part of the Road Safety Plan 2021, which aims to deter drink driving and reduce alcohol-related trauma on NSW roads.

Similar changes are being implemented for drivers who get caught with an illegal drug in their system, which is typically detected through Mobile Drug Testing (MBT).

From May 20, first time, low-range drink-drivers will be slapped with an on-the-spot suspension of their licence for three months and a fine of $561

Prior to the crackdown, all drivers had to appear in court and there were no on-the-spot fines, a NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

'High-range drink drivers were given an automatic suspension, while mid range were at the discretion of police, and low-range weren't at all.

'But now everyone will have their licence automatically suspended on the spot.

'They are trying to free up the courts a little bit, in terms of low-range PCAs, by saying everyone will now have their licence suspended,' the spokeswoman said.

Some 68 people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year. Drug-driving resulted in a similar number of deaths.

Drink-driving penalties by state

New South Wales

Drivers who commit a low-range drink-driving offence for the first time will have their licence suspended immediately, effective for three months.
A suspension will also be coupled with a significant fine, which is currently $561.

Western Australia

Motorists who get caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 - .08 may either be infringed or required to appear in court.
A first-time offence will also result in a $400 fine, as well as a maximum court penalty of $500 and three demerit points.

Victoria

From April 30, drivers who return a low-range reading (less than .05) will lose their licence, need to complete a compulsory Behaviour Change Program and have to get an alcohol interlock installed.
Those who hold a Victorian licence and get caught drink driving interstate, will also be subject to the same rules as if they were caught locally.

South Australia

Drivers who are caught drink driving for the first time may be issued an on-the-spot fine and lose four demerit points.
They may also face a court penalty - a fine of up to $1,100, four demerit points and loss of licence for at least three months.

Queensland

All drink drivers have to go to court, where a magistrate decides the length of licence disqualification, fine amount, and any prison sentence terms.
Maximum penalties for first time drink driving offences include licence disqualification for nine months, a $1,827 fine and three months in jail.

Northern Territory

Motorists may have to go to court if they're caught drink driving in the Northern Territory.
A magistrate decides how long a driver's licence must be disqualified for and whether they receive a fine or a jail term.

Tasmania

Drink driving in Tasmania may mean a loss of licence for a period of three to 36 months, a fine and possible imprisonment for up to 12 months.
In certain circumstances, police may issue an infringement that includes an automatic disqualification of three months, loss of demerit points and a fine.

Australian Capital Territory

A first offence can lead to a fine of up to $2250, nine months imprisonment, or both.
First time offenders may also have their driver’s licence disqualified for up to three years.
Police may also impose an Immediate Suspension Notice, which suspends the driver’s licence for up to 90 days.

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ALL drink-drivers will lose their licences under new crackdown on boozy motorists

DMT.NEWS

via DMT.NEWS, Mark Brook For Daily Mail Australia

May 6, 2019 at 01:22AM

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ALL drink-drivers will lose their licences under new crackdown on boozy motorists