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Drink and drug driving – new law

Date : 18 Jun 2009

Higher fines for drink driving

The maximum fine has increased for some drink-driving offences. A driver may now be fined up to 20 penalty units if they are found driving over the limit or if they fail a breath or blood test.

This change applies to fully licensed drivers who have not been caught drink driving before.

New offences for alcohol interlock devices

There is a new offence to fine someone who tampers with an alcohol interlock device that another person is required to use.

It is also an offence to blow into an interlock device without a reasonable excuse. If someone is charged with this offence it will be up to them to prove that their excuse was reasonable.

Probationer drivers who lose their licence for drink-driving

The law is now clear that if a probationary licence (P-plate) is cancelled for drink driving, the new licence issued to the driver must also be a probationary licence.