New rules pass parliament that will see SA drug drivers lose their licence on the spot
New laws that passed parliament this week give SA Police power to issue a three-month instant loss of licence to drug drivers. Fourteen drug drivers have died on SA roads this year.
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South Australian drivers who test positive to drugs will immediately lose their licence for three months under new Australia-first laws that passed parliament this week.
The new rules were an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill in a bid to lower the number of lives lost on the state’s roads.
Of the 92 lives lost so far this year, 14 were attributed to drug driving.
In coming weeks, SA Police officers will have the power to issue a three-month instant loss of licence if a driver tests positive to roadside drug screening test.
The instant loss of licence does not currently exist, and if a driver tests positive in a drug screening test, oral fluid samples are provided to Forensic Science SA for further analysis.
This means there is a 28-day delay between the initial roadside test before a loss of licence is enforced, leaving drug drivers “free to endanger lives” Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said.
The Bill was proposed by SA Best in September 2020.
“It is obvious from SAPOL road statistics that current drug driving laws serve as little deterrent to motorists who choose to drive while under the influence of drugs,” SA Best’s Connie Bonaros said.
“I hope these tough new laws go a long way to addressing that disturbing trend – innocent lives are depending on it.”
Other laws will come into effect in the coming months, including SA Police being able to issue a six-month instant loss of licence for drivers speeding 45km/h or more over the limit.
Under current laws, police cannot issue an instant loss of licence if the driver is charged for the offence and must later attend court.
It will also introduce a penalty of up to two years imprisonment if the offence is aggravated, or a subsequent offence.
Police will also be able to issue a year instant loss of licence for reckless and dangerous driving.
Maximum penalties for reckless and dangerous driving will be increased from a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, to three years for a subsequent offence.
Drivers who ignore disqualification will now face a maximum three years behind bars if committing a subsequent offence.
“We make no apologies for this crackdown on selfish drivers who put innocent lives at risk,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Drug drivers have no place on our roads and this Bill has shut down a dangerous loophole that afforded some irresponsible motorists with the opportunity to continue driving despite a positive drug test.”
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