What Are NSW’s Drink Driving Limits?

Introduction

Drink drivers (or motorcycle riders) who are caught over the limit in NSW face much harsher penalties with the introduction of new legislation to be brought in at the end of the year (2018). Changes to the law mean that the so-called ‘low-range’ offences will have a $561 fine added on, and offenders will immediately – on the roadside – lose their licenses for three months. These penalties will also apply to first-time ‘drug presence’ offenders. Those breaking the law beyond the low-level offences which are (0.05-0.07 BAC), those in the mid-range (0.08-0.149 BAC) will be required to fit alcohol interlocks in their vehicles. Drivers deemed high-risk, repeat offenders could also face having their number plates confiscated or their vehicles impounded. It’s also is illegal in NSW to drive, attempt to drive or instruct a learner driver whilst affected by drugs or alcohol.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits

To drive a vehicle legally in NSW, there are various levels of blood alcohol concentrations permitted ranging from nil for learner and provisional drivers to 0.2 and 0.5 for those with full licenses depending on their class of licence. The following list shows the limits for all licence classes. Drivers must stay below these limits:

Drugs, Both Illegal and Legal

It is highly dangerous for vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders to take any kind of stimulant and any illegal drugs. Marijuana (cannabis), cocaine, crystal methamphetamine (ice) and similar drugs will make you unfit to drive by affecting your concentration, coordination and skills, even if you might believe you’re driving perfectly well. Roadside Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) by NSW Police operates with Roadside Breath Testing (RBT) for alcohol. Police are increasing the use of MDT, with the numbers of drug tests set to reach 200,000 in NSW by 2020.

Prescriptions And Over-the-Counter Drugs

There are many prescription drugs and those sold over the counter that can affect your ability to drive safely, therefore making you unfit to drive. These drugs can have an effect on your concentration, coordination and mood, plus your eyesight, and cause you to react much slower whilst driving. You should never drive if you are taking any medication that has a warning on the label says you cannot drive whilst taking the drug.

Medicines that affect driving:

• Tranquillisers, sleeping pills and sedatives
• Some painkillers
• Some cold and flu medications
• Medicines for allergies, blood pressure, nausea, inflammation, fungal infections
• Some diet pills

If If you are taking any medications, always ask your doctor or chemist if you should drive while taking them.

Reducing Your Risk

Other ways of reducing your risk of accidents or being charged for drug driving offences:

• Don’t drive if you take a medication that can affect your ability to drive safely
• Always read the information and labels on the medication
• Don’t EVER take someone else’s prescription medication – it could affect your driving and your health
• Don’t drink alcohol or illegal drugs with prescription medications
• Don’t drive if you’ve missed a dose of a medication that controls symptoms that could affect your ability to drive safely
• Take the exact amount of medication prescribed unless recommended by your doctor
• Arrange other transport – a cab, a friend or relative or use public transport
• Never drive unless you’re fit to do so.

References:

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/demerits-offences/drug-alcohol/drug-alcohol-offences.html

For more information on car accident claims and how they may be affected by drink driving, contact PK Simpson personal injury lawyers.