Natalie Hutchins, Victorian Acting Minister for Roads and Road Safety, announced two new offenses for drink-drug driving will come into force on 1 August 2015.
“The Andrews Labor Government is cracking down on idiotic drink and drug drivers to make our roads safer and to help reduce road trauma.” Ms Hutchins commented.
Ms Hutchins explained that these new offenses are an Australian first and drivers who are caught with alcohol and illicit drugs in their system will now face a minimum 12 month license cancellation and court fines up to $4550 for a first offense. Victoria Police will also be able to impound the vehicles of first time offenders who record a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or higher.
 “We know that drivers who have both alcohol and drugs in their system are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, compared with drivers who are drug and alcohol free.” Hutchins commented “We are fed up with people who mix alcohol and illicit drugs and the risks they pose to Victorian families on our roads.”
Ms Hutchins pointed out that for repeat offenders, the maximum fines will range between $13,650 and $40,959, depending on blood alcohol level and previous offenses. They will also receive a minimum two year licence cancellation. Vehicles can be impounded for up to three months or even permanently for repeat offenders.