New Drink Driving Laws
From 20 May 2019 new laws came into effect so that NSW Police can now immediately suspend the licence of any driver caught low range drink driving for the first time. This includes special and novice range offences, so that a driver’s licence may be suspended for 3 months along with an
on-the-spot fine (currently $561.00).
Please note the following definitions:
- Low range PCA: blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to less than 0.08
- Novice range PCA: blood alcohol concentration more than zero for learner, P1 or P2 driver
- Special range PCA: blood alcohol concentration over 0.02 for special category drivers (taxi drivers, bus drivers, drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods)
Before 20 May 2019 drivers charged with drink driving offences were required to attend Court to have their penalty determined but could keep driving until their Court date. Now, if a driver’s licence is immediately suspended, the licence must be handed over to Police and the driver is not permitted to drive during the suspension period.
If a driver’s licence is immediately suspended he or she can elect to have a Court hear an appeal against the suspension.