Tougher penalties for drink-drivers

NEW drink-driving laws have been introduced in Victoria where every offender, even at the lower end of the scale, will now face a compulsory three-year period of having a blood alcohol content of zero while they’re driving.

The mandatory time frame now applies to all drink-driving offenders from the time they successfully complete their court-mandated Alcohol Interlock Program.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the new measures will save lives.

“Too many families have suffered the heartbreak of losing a loved one to drink-driving and these tough new penalties will make drink-drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel,” she said.

“Every single one of us has a role to play to keep our roads safe. If you’re going out for a drink, the safest option is not to drive at all – it’s never worth the risk.”

Victoria has some of the strongest penalties for drink-driving in the country.

First-time drink-drivers who record a blood alcohol reading of between .05 and .069 lose their licences for a minimum of three months and must have alcohol interlocks fitted to their vehicles for a minimum of six months.

Drink-driving remains one of the most significant contributors to Victoria’s road toll.

Since 2023, about one in four drivers who’ve lost their lives on Victorian roads have had a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or above.

For a complete rundown of the current drink-driving penalties, visit the Transport Victoria website.