The Road Safety Commission (RSC) has warned of tough new penalties for impaired driving due to come into effect on 1 July.
From that date drivers caught with both alcohol and drugs in their system will be charged with the new offence of driving with a blood alcohol content of or above a particular level with a prescribed illicit drug in oral fluid or blood.
The RSC said Western Australia was only the third State to introduce a specific ‘poly’ offence for driving while affected by a combination of alcohol and drugs.
“A driver who records a blood alcohol reading in excess of 0.05 and tests positive to drugs will have their licence disqualified for a minimum of three months and face a maximum fine of $1,900 for a first offence,” the RSC said.
“Repeat offenders could face a mandatory licence disqualification for life and fine of up to $11,250 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.”
It also said penalties for existing, stand-alone drink and drug driving offences would increase by a minimum of 1.5 times the current penalty.
The RSC has developed a road safety campaign to educate the community on the new impaired driving offences and penalties which will run on television, radio, and digital platforms.
Minister for Police and Road Safety, Paul Papalia said the new and increased penalties should send a clear message to the community about the seriousness and the risk to all road users of getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
