First-time, low-range drink drivers will lose their licence immediately under tough new penalties to be introduced this month.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said all drink-driving offenders will receive a three-month licence suspension and fine of $561.

Mr Constance said the government is taking a zero-tolerance stance on drink-driving. 

“This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any time, including low-range, can now lose their licence immediately,” Mr Constance said. 

“This reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price,” he said.  

Drivers can appeal against the suspension in court, but they will lose their licenses initially. 

Mr Constance said alcohol-related crashes killed at least 68 people on NSW roads last year and accounted for nearly one-fifth of road deaths, including 55 lives lost on country roads. 

Crashes involving a drug driver caused a similar number of road deaths, he added. 

First-time offenders of driving with the presence of illicit drugs will also be fined $561 and have their licence suspended for three months, 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,” Mr Constance said.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy said this reform will ensure NSW roads are safer for drivers and other road users by imposing quick and clear-cut penalties. 

“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,” Mr Corboy said. 
The new penalties will apply from May 20.