First-time Victorian drink drivers to lose licences under tough new laws

KIERAN ROONEY, Herald Sun – November 1, 2017 

THOUSANDS of first-time drink-drivers will lose their ­licences and have interlock devices installed in their cars under new laws introduced by the Andrews Government.

Reforms cracking down on low-range drink-driving off­ences were introduced to parliament yesterday and are expected to come into effect early next year if passed.

Up to 3000 full licence-holders are caught drink-driving with a blood-alcohol content between 0.05 and 0.07 each year, the lowest punishable level.

The changes will mean drink-drivers in this range, including first-time offenders, will have their licences cancelled immediately and they will be disqualified from driving for three months.

Every drink-driver in the state will also be required to have an interlock fitted to their car for at least six months and must complete a behavioural change program. 

An alcohol interlock immobilises a car until a driver successfully passes a breath­alyser test in the device.

They will cost drink-­drivers about $180 to install, $150 per month to maintain and $100 to remove. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said low-level drink-driving was a serious danger.

“We make no apologies for toughening penalties for drink-drivers who continue to put the lives of Victorians at risk,” he said

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