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NSW introduces heavy penalties for combined drug, drunk driving
New South Wales is cracking down hard on drivers caught with drugs and alcohol in their system at the same time.
Contributor
Contributor
Drivers caught with alcohol and illicit drugs in their system on New South Wales roads face harsh new penalties.
Introduced on June 28, 2021, the new penalties for combined drink and drug driving are designed to “deter this high risk behaviour and send a clear message to drivers that they are putting themselves and others at significant risk”.
According to research quoted by Transport for NSW, combining alcohol with illicit drugs behind the wheel makes you 23 times more likely to have a fatal accident.
Penalties vary based on the blood-alcohol content (BAC) of a driver, and whether it’s their first offence or not.
Penalties for high-range (0.15 BAC and over) offences and drugs combined are below:
| Penalty | First offence | Subsequent offence |
|---|---|---|
| Max. fine | $3300 | $5500 |
| Max. prison time | 18 months | Two years |
| Min. licence disqual. | 12 months | Two years |
| Max. licence disqual. | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Auto. licence disqual. | Three years | Five years |
| Immediate licence susp. | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol interlock order | Yes | Yes |
Penalties for mid-range (0.08-0.15 BAC) offences and drugs are below:
| Penalty | First offence | Subsequent offence |
|---|---|---|
| Max. fine | $2200 | $3300 |
| Max. prison time | 9 months | 12 months |
| Min. licence disqual. | 6 months | 12 months |
| Max. licence disqual. | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Auto. licence disqual. | 12 months | Three years |
| Immediate licence susp. | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol interlock order | Yes | Yes |
Penalties for low-range (0.05-0.08 BAC) offences and drugs are below:
| Penalty | First offence | Subsequent offence |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fine | $581 | N/A |
| Max. fine | $2200 | $3300 |
| Max. prison time | N/A | N/A |
| Min. licence disqual. | 3 months | 6 months |
| Max. licence disqual. | 6 months | Unlimited |
| Auto. licence disqual. | 6 months | 12 months |
| Immediate licence susp. | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol interlock order | No | Yes |
“This new law targets those with the highest road safety risk and repeat offenders,” Transport for NSW says.
New South Wales joins Victoria and Western Australia in punishing drivers for combined drink and drug driving offences.
Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.
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