Low-range drink drivers will lose their licence on the spot under changes passed by the NSW Parliament on Thursday.
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The new rules will see drivers who test between 0.05 and 0.08 lose their licence for three months and also be hit with a $561 fine.
The penalty will apply to first-time drug detection offences.
The interlock program, which links a breath-testing device to a car’s ignition, will be extended to mid-range driving offences.
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High-risk repeat offenders could also see their licence plates confiscated and vehicle impounded.
The rules will come into force at the end of 2018.
“We needed a stronger deterrent,” said Roads Minister Melinda Pavey.
“Last year 55 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes and 81 people died in crashes involving someone with illicit drugs in their system.
“The 0.05 limit has been in place in NSW for almost 38 years. Today is about driving home to the community that there are no more excuses.”
Double demerits begin
Meanwhile, double demerits over the holiday long weekend kick off on Friday.
From 12.01am on Friday until 11.59pm on Monday, October 1, double demerit points will be in force for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
As Friday is a designated school day, an additional demerit point on top of double demerits will also apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day.
An extra demerit point for mobile phone use came into force in September, bringing the punishment to five.
Motorists caught using their mobiles over the long weekend will be hit with 10 demerit points.