All Drink-Drivers in NSW to Lose Licence

A policewoman has been sentenced to more than a year in jail for avoiding a random breath testing stop in Sydney. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

All NSW drivers found drink-driving—even if it’s a first offence—will immediately lose their licence for three months under a new penalty regime.

Anyone caught drink-driving in NSW will lose their licence immediately under a tough new penalty regime that will also see offenders fined almost A$600.

First time, low-range drink-drivers from May 20 will be slapped with an on-the-spot suspension of their licence for three months and a fine of A$561.

Roads Minister Andrew Constance says NSW is taking a “zero-tolerance” approach to drink and drug-driving.

“This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any level, including low-range, can now lose their licence immediately,” the minister said in a statement on May 6.

The new penalties are part of the Road Safety Plan 2021, which aims to deter drink-driving and reduce alcohol-related deaths and injuries in the state.

Drivers found with drugs in their system will face the same penalties if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.

Some 68 people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year. Drug-driving resulted in a similar number of deaths.

By Heather McNab