Drink riders to face unprecedented crackdown
A new Victorian law will come into effect on August 1, 2015, targeting first-time offenders with a blood alcohol reading greater than 0.1Victoria has toughened its stance on first-time offenders who are caught with a blood alcohol reading greater than 0.1 on the state's roads, with offenders now set to have their car or bike impounded as well as copping a $627 fine and a 10-month licence suspension. Towing/transport costs will also be added into the mix.
The new laws, reflected in the Road Safety Amendment Bill 2014 which achieved bipartisan support through parliament, come into effect on August 1, 2015. Previously, first-time offenders only received a fine and lost their licence, with impounding as an option for repeat offenders.
The impounding of cars and motorcycles in Victoria has recently been more under the spotlight under the so-called hoon laws.
At a media call in this morning, Police Minister Wade Noonan said: "[They're] tough new laws, but obviously laws that are designed to send a very strong message to those who get behind the wheel having drunk a considerable amount. It sends a strong message that it's not on."
According to Victoria Police assistant commissioner Robert Hill, about 3500 of the 13,000 people detected each year are first-timer offenders 0.1 and above.
Hill also said hardship provisions will be "entertained by the courts" in circumstances where people may be caught riding someone else's motorcycle, or where special circumstances may dictate that a person cannot be without a car or bike.
The blood alcohol limit in Victoria is below .05.
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