The Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance MP and the Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, Paul Toole MP, announced the drink and drug driving reforms, which take effect on 20 May 2019.
These reforms change the penalties and licence sanctions that apply for lower range drink driving offences, and for the offence of driving with the presence of an illicit drug.
From 20 May:
- If you commit a first time lower range drink driving offence, you will receive an on-the‐spot fine of $561 and immediately lose your licence, which will be suspended for 3 months.
- If you commit a first time driving with the presence of an illicit drug offence, you will, once the offence is confirmed by the laboratory, receive a fine of $561. Your licence will also be suspended for 3 months. Offenders will typically be notified via mail.
A public education campaign to raise awareness of the reforms will begin on 8 May. We would appreciate your support in sharing information on the changes through your networks. To that end, please find attached a communication toolkit containing web tiles and other information.
More information including FAQs will be published on the RMS website prior to 20 May.
