New law will be introduced to target drug drivers and motorists who illegally use their mobile phones. 

The Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Road Safety) Bill 2018 have passed the NSW Parliament this week, seeking to extend powers relating to roadside oral testing for cocaine and increase penalties for driving under the influence. 

The Bill proposes amendments to the Road Transport Act 2013 in order to impose stronger penalties for drivers under the influence of drugs and to include cocaine within the mobile drug testing regime. 

Also the Act will be amended to enable enforcement of camera detected mobile phone use offences. 
Moreover, Transport Administration Act 1988 will be amended to compel payment of any fines from camera detected mobile phone offences to the Community Road Safety Fund.

Further, Marine Safety Act 1998 will be amended to ensure regimes for oral fluid drug testing applies to marine drivers and vessel operators.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said that the reforms would help to achieve the NSW Government’s road safety goals as part of the Road Safety Plan 2021.

“NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce legislation like the Road Safety Bill, showing the Government’s commitment to road safety as technology and societal trends change,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Driving under the influence of drugs has emerged as a significant factor in our road toll, along with alcohol, speeding, fatigue and mobile phone distraction,” Mrs Pavey said. 

The legislative reforms will come into effect from 1 July 2018.