Drink driving remains one of the most significant contributors to Victoria's road toll. According to the Victorian Government, since 2023 around one in five drivers who lost their lives on Victorian roads had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or above.
The Victorian Government introduced new penalties for drink drivers on 17 October 2024. Under the new law, those convicted of a drink driving offence must drive with a blood alcohol content of zero for at least three years.
Many drivers are not aware that in Victoria every drink driving offender will:
- have to pay a heavy fine
- lose their licence
- need to complete a behaviour change program
- have to get an alcohol interlock installed in their vehicle
- drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of zero for three years after successfully completing their court-mandated Alcohol Interlock Program.
"While most Victorians do the right thing, drink driving continues to be one of the Fatal Five risks and alcohol greatly increases the chance of being involved in a crash," said James Williams, RACV Head of Policy.
"The new minimum penalties introduced in 2024 send a clear message to motorists that driving after drinking alcohol is just not worth the risk.
"Drink driving offences may also result in vehicle impoundment or, for serious cases, possible imprisonment. The exact penalties will depend on a range of factors, including BAC level, age and licence type."
Mr Williams also noted that re-offenders may face heavier penalties than first-time offenders.
"Drivers found with a BAC over zero during the mandated three-year period will also be considered re-offenders and will have to start the process again, including a licence disqualification period, interlock condition, and three-year zero BAC driving condition," Mr Williams said.
"There are many factors that can impact BAC readings, such as your age, sex, weight, fatigue levels and tolerance to alcohol.
"The safest way to know for sure that you are under the legal drinking limit is to not drive if you drink. Select a designated driver, look up public transport options, or book a taxi or Uber home."
