NSW: From May 20, anyone caught drink or drug driving will lose their licence immediately and face hefty fines under a tough new penalty regime.

Drink drivers who are first-time, low range offenders (in excess of 0.05) will receive an immediate on-the-spot three-month licence suspension and a fine of $561.

Drug drivers are also being targeted with offenders caught driving with the presence of illicit drugs for the first time also being slapped with a $561 fine and a three month licence suspension.

For a low level offence in WA, the fine is $400 and three demerit points for a blood alcohol reading over 0.05 but under 0.06.

2GB Afternoons host Chris Smith spoke to Oliver Peterson about how these tough new laws have caught NSW people by surprise.

“This is a massive change for those who are trying to crack down on the increasing number of alcohol related and drug related crashes.

“They’d have to be regarded as the toughest drink-drive laws in the country.”

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