First-time drug drivers to be hit with hefty $495 fine
First time drug driving offenders will now be hit with a whopping on-the-spot fine of $495.
Victoria Police announced drivers who test positive to two roadside drug tests (a Preliminary Oral Fluid Test and an Oral Fluid Test) will now be issued with an infringement notice and have a driving ban imposed.
Police hope the new approach will make roads safer by removing drug drivers as quickly as possible.
Drivers who are caught with drugs in their system will be immediately banned from driving for up to 24 hours.
Until now, police had to wait for a toxicology certificate before issuing an infringement.
“This delayed process creates a risk that the offending driver will continue to drive while still having drugs in their system, which is seriously concerning,” Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said
“You should not and do not have the privilege to drive a vehicle if you have drugs in your system, so we’re taking steps to remove that privilege a lot faster if you’re caught doing the wrong thing.”
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