New Rules for Low Range Drink Driving Offences in NSW

If a person drives a motor vehicle on a public road “under the influence” of a blood alcohol concentration of between 0.05 and 0.079, they commit the offence of Low Range PCA (Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol).

As part of the NSW Road Safety Plan 2021, from 20 May 2019 harsher penalties have been introduced for low range drink driving offences. All offenders face at least a three-month suspension from driving and a minimum $561 fine. Drivers can appeal the suspension but will initially lose their licence. Previously drivers could keep their licences if they challenged the matter in court and only those with a reading of 0.08 or above faced an immediate licence suspension.

The maximum penalty for the charge depends on whether it is a first offence (20 penalty units) or a second or subsequent offence (30 penalty units). Maximum fines are $2200 or $3300 respectively.

If the court records a conviction, they must make a disqualification order which, for a first offence, is six months.

Contact our Road Traffic Lawyers, Sydney, NSW

Szabo & Associates Solicitors can offer expert advice on all aspects of road traffic offences. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, whether low, medium or high range, or indeed any other road traffic offence, please contact us on (02) 9158 6333 or use the online contact form.