Drink & Drug Driving

Amendments to the Road Traffic Act 1974 - Alcohol and Drug Related Offences - Effective 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 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive details can be found in the Amendments to Drink and Drug Driving Penalties Question and Answer (18 page PDF 6.7 MB)

Advertising
Street Smarts advertisement: Zero BAC (1 page PDF 128 KB)
Street Smarts advertisement: Penalties (1 page PDF 124 KB)
Press: Drink drug driving laws are changing (1 page PDF 238 KB)
Radio: Drink drug driving laws are changing (30 second MP3 1.2 MB)