On 1 July 2018, some changes will come into effect concerning drivers in NSW.  Some of the main changes are:

a. Cocaine is to be added as a Prescribed Illicit Drug

b. Increase in penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or any other Drug (DUI):

1^st offence 30 penalty units and/or 18 months imprisonment and a disqualification of 3 years (automatic) – 12 months (minimum)

2^nd offence/subsequent offence 50 penalty units and/or 2 years imprisonment and disqualification of 5years (automatic) – 2 years (minimum)

(so now the penalties are equivalent to those applicable for HRPCA)

c. Cameras can now be used to photograph a driver using a mobile phone (including toll cameras and speed/safety cams!)

d. Persons charged with failing/refusing to submit to sobriety assessment can now be prohibited from driving for 48hours

e. Persons can now be issued with an Immediate Police Suspension for DUI

To see the legislation, go to:

https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/2018-15.pdf

If you or someone you know has been charged with a traffic offence, you should get some legal advice to help you better understand how the changes affect you – call us on (02) 9696 1361 or email us at Info@YounesEspiner.com.au.

Disclaimer: The above information contains a basic summary of the law in NSW as at 21 May 2018. It is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should speak to a lawyer.