All NSW drivers found drink-driving—even if it’s a first offence—will immediately lose their licence for three months under a new penalty regime.
Anyone caught drink-driving in NSW will lose their licence immediately under a tough new penalty regime that will also see offenders fined almost A$600.
First time, low-range drink-drivers from May 20 will be slapped with an on-the-spot suspension of their licence for three months and a fine of A$561.
Roads Minister Andrew Constance says NSW is taking a “zero-tolerance” approach to drink and drug-driving.
“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 May 6.
Drivers found with drugs in their system will face the same penalties if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.
Some 68 people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year. Drug-driving resulted in a similar number of deaths.
