QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND – THINGS TO REMEMBER

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Last month, the NSW government announced a further relaxation of the COVID-19 social distancing rules. One of the most significant changes allows NSW residents to now travel to regional areas for a holiday.

If you’re out this Queen’s Birthday weekend, there are a few things to remember.

 

Mobile drug testing is back

Both random breath testing (RBT) and mobile drug testing (MDT) have resumed in preparation for the long weekend. These were temporarily suspended back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MDT detects the presence of four illegal drugs: ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine.

The procedure for MDT is similar to RBT. If you are stopped by police, the officer will request to see your licence and likely ask you to complete an alcohol breath test. You will then be asked to swipe a MDT stick down your tongue. The results take a few minutes to appear.

If the test is positive, you will be taken back to a police station or roadside testing station to provide a saliva sample.

If your saliva sample tests positive for illegal drugs, you will be banned from driving for 24 hours and the rest of the saliva sample will be sent to the laboratory for further testing. You might later be charged with either drive with illicit drug present in your system, or driving under the influence.

When sentencing you, the Local Court may disqualify you from driving.

 

Double demerit points

Double demerit points are in force for certain traffic offences. The double demerit point period commenced today and applies until 11.59pm on Monday 08 June.

Double demerit points apply to the following offences:

  • Speeding
  • Using a mobile phone
  • Not wearing a seatbelt
  • Riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

Licence suspensions can apply to serious speeding offences, or if you exceed your demerit points limit.

 

Driver fatigue

There are no laws regulating driver fatigue in NSW. However, if you are going to be driving over the long weekend, remember to take regular breaks to ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road.

 

Dining at pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants

COVID-19 rules have been relaxed significantly in NSW but there are still a number of restrictions in place.

If you’re planning on dining at a pub, club, cafe or restaurant you must practise social distancing (maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others) and provide your contact details to the venue.

NSW Police will be conducting random checks of licensed venues to ensure individuals and businesses are complying with social distancing rules and the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 3) 2020 (NSW).

Read our blog dated 01 June to find out what other restrictions apply.

 

If you have been issued with a fine or charged with a traffic offence and would like to discuss your options, call us on (02) 9696 1361 to make an appointment to speak to one of our lawyers via phone, Zoom or FaceTime.