Image:Victoria Police
New penalties aimed at cracking down on drink driving offences come into effect today, with stricter measures targeting those caught behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol.
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Under the new laws, all drink driving offenders will now face a mandatory three-year period with a zero blood alcohol content requirement once they complete the court-mandated Alcohol Interlock Program. This applies to every offender, regardless of the severity of their offence.
The Alcohol Interlock Program requires offenders to install a breath-testing device in their vehicle, which records any traces of alcohol before allowing the car to start. Offenders are required to use the device for a minimum of six months, but it could be extended to four years depending on the level of their offence.
Victoria’s penalties for drink driving are among the toughest in Australia. First-time offenders with a blood alcohol reading between 0.05 and 0.069 will lose their licences for at least three months and will need to have an interlock device fitted to their vehicle for a minimum of six months.
Drink driving continues to be a major factor in road fatalities across the state. Since 2023, about one in four drivers who have died on Victorian roads had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or higher.
These new penalties are part of an ongoing effort to curb road deaths and injuries caused by drink driving. Drivers are urged to plan alternative ways to get home after consuming alcohol, such as using a designated driver, public transport, or booking a taxi or ride-share.
