Fears New Drink-Driving Laws With On-The-Spot Fines Will Put More Lives At Risk

Law reforms to drink driving will see low-range offences dealt with by infringement notices, in an attempt to ease the pressure on courts.

However, backlash has emerged to the controversial laws, with claims that the reduction in prosecution will dilute the deterrent factor of drink driving being viewed as a crime.

Victoria currently has the infringement notice system that is being suggested for NSW, and the repeat offender rate of 29 per cent in Victoria compared to 8.1 per cent in NSW appears to reflect this.

The new rules proposed would see first time low-range offenders fined $561 (up from $482) and an automatic three month licence suspension.

Mid-range offenders will be required to have a breath-test device installed in their car for two years.

These proposed laws have passed the NSW Parliament's Lower House, but still need to get through the Upper House.