Drink Driving
New laws from 1 October 2011
Drink and drug driving penalties have changed and affect all drivers in Western Australia.
The changes reflect the increased risk of crashing as alcohol or drug intake increases and brings Western Australia’s drink and drug driving laws into line with other States.
Changes affect monetary fines and disqualifications for first, second and subsequent offences. Penalties are higher for repeat offenders.
The aim of the increased penalties is to deter drivers from driving while affected by alcohol or drugs.
In addition to the increased penalties, some groups of drivers are now required to drive with a zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). These include:
- drivers of:
- heavy vehicles with a Gross Combined Mass exceeding 22.5 tonne
- passenger vehicles (i.e., buses) equipped to seat more than 12 passengers including the driver, while carrying passengers
- omnibuses, while carrying passengers for reward or hire
- taxis, while carrying passengers for reward or hire vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- holders of the Extraordinary licences
- recently Disqualified Drivers.
Novice drivers continue to be required to drive with a zero BAC.
Exemption to the zero BAC applies to prescribed emergency service employees and volunteers when responding to an emergency incident.
The extension of the zero BAC limit to the above driver groups recognised the increased risk that those drivers pose to passengers and other road users when driving with alcohol or drugs in the blood.
Drinking kills driving skills. Alcohol is responsible for over 30% of the people killed on our roads. With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05, the risk of being involved in a crash doubles. With a BAC of 0.08, you are 7 times more likely to crash and 25 times more likely with a BAC of 0.15 (see graph below).
Click on the graph to enlarge.
Alcohol-related fatal crashes cost the Western Australian community in excess of $200 million each year. The hospital and rehabilitation costs of alcohol-related crashes where people are seriously injured are even higher.
Statistics and the effects of alcohol on driving
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In 2009 alcohol was a factor in 32% of road deaths. Just over 1 in 3 fatal crashes in Western Australia involved at least one driver who was over the legal 0.05 limit and 52% of these crashes involved drivers who were 3 times over the legal limit.
Intoxicated drivers involved in fatal crashes are 3 times more likely to have been speeding or not wearing a seat belt than sober drivers.
Alcohol affects decision-making, reaction times, speed and distance judgments, concentration and perception, balance and alertness.
Alcohol can also give a driver a false sense of confidence which may encourage him or her to take more risks.
Each year in Western Australia, more than 19,000 people are booked for drink driving.
Fact Sheet
Road Safety Fact Sheet - Drink Driving (2 page PDF 880 KB)
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It is best if you don't drink anything before driving.
Determining your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is difficult as it is affected by a number of factors, including:
- the amount of alcohol you drink
- the period over which alcohol was consumed
- your body mass
- whether or not you have eaten
- your fitness levels
- the health of your liver.
If you do have a drink, as a guide:
- men should not drink more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 standard drink every following hour
- women should not drink more than 1 standard drink every hour.
Note: Learner and provisional drivers must have a zero BAC when driving.
The message is simple - if you are going to drink, plan not to drive.
- Arrange a skipper
- Ask someone to collect you
- Call a cab
- Take public transport
- Stay overnight.
How much is a standard drink?
Standard drinks posters are available for downloading and printing.
 
Test your knowledge of standard drinks!
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Host responsibility is about making sure you and your guests have a good time. So here are some party tips to ensure you’re a good host:
- If you’re providing alcohol, serve plenty of food.
- Serve water, soft and low alcohol drinks.
- Consider providing taxis for your guests.
- When sending out invitations, remind your guests to leave their cars at home if they are going to drink.
- Avoid topping up alcoholic drinks. Let people pour their own drinks so they can control how much they are drinking.
As a host, when alcohol is consumed you have rights and obligations to help ensure the safety and comfort of your guests. You can look after your guests, friends and colleagues by:
- not serving alcohol to the point of intoxication
- trying to prevent your guests from drinking and driving
- being aware of and looking after under-age guests and people who have had too much to drink
- trying to ensure everyone’s safety.
Have a safe party!
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 If you're heading out for the night, check if the venue you are going to is involved in the skipper program.
To discourage people from drinking and driving, the Liquor Industry and Road Safety Council run a skipper program at participating licensed premises throughout the State.
The program rewards designated drivers for volunteering to look after their friends who are having a few drinks and encourages people to plan ahead and consider how they will get home safely after drinking.
Skippers identify themselves to bar staff who attach a Skipper's wrist tag to the skipper who is then entitled to free soft drinks.
Licensed venues wanting to participate in the skipper program or order materials should contact Doug Baird at the Office of Road Safety on 9323 4892.
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Penalties for drink driving
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