All drink drivers to lose licence under new zero-tolerance laws

Every person caught drink-driving will lose their licence on the spot under tough new laws to be introduced in NSW on May 20.

NSW Roads Minister Andrew Constance (pictured above) said: “This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any level, including low-range, can now lose their licence immediately.

“This reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price. We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving."

First-time, low-range drink drivers will be stripped of their licences for three months and receive a $561 fine.

Beyond low-level offences (0.05-0.07 BAC), mid-range offenders (0.08-0.149 BAC) will be forced to fit an alcohol interlock in their cars. High-risk, repeat offenders face vehicle impound or licence plate confiscation.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy said the reform would protect road users, with 68 people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year.

"Alcohol is one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads. The 0.05 blood alcohol limit has been in place for almost 38 years. There are no more excuses," he said.

Under the new laws, simpler and more certain penalties will also apply for drug drivers.

Offenders who drive with the presence of illicit drugs for the first time will receive a $561 fine and a three month licence suspension if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.

“Drivers who have an illegal level of alcohol in their blood or have used illegal drugs have no place on the road,” Constance said.