New laws to force booze drivers from interstate to have alcohol interlocks

SERIOUS drink-drivers who move to Victoria from interstate have been dodging the state’s new laws — now the government is closing the loophole.

SERIOUS drink-drivers moving to Victoria from interstate have been dodging laws forcing them to have an alcohol interlock in their car.

The State Government has moved to close the loophole amid concern lives were being put at risk.

New laws were recently introduced meaning interstate drivers with a history of being drunk behind the wheel will be subject to Victorian law if they move here.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan told the Sunday Herald Sun: “These new laws close the loop and bring Victoria’s drink driving penalties in line with other states.”

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About a third of people killed on Victoria’s roads have drugs, alcohol or both in their system. Picture: Sarah Matray

“For the first time, it means anyone who commits serious drink-driving offences interstate and moves to Victoria will have to serve their penalty and have an alcohol interlock drive fitted to their vehicle upon relicensing,” Mr Donnellan said.

The overhaul, which became law late last month, comes amid a crackdown which will force all drink-drivers in Victoria to have an alcohol interlock fitted to their car for at least six months.

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The devices immobilise a car until a driver successfully passes a breath­alyser test.

Research has proven interlocks effective in reducing repeat drink-driving offences.

Police during a roadside testing operation in Altona. Picture: Sarah Matray

Transport Accident Commission chief executive officer Joe Calafiore said: “Drink-driving is still one of the major factors in deaths and serious injuries on our roads and the Victorian Government’s nation-leading, tough approach toward recidivist offenders is a big step in addressing this issue.”

“We don’t want to see any more people killed or injured because of drink-driving so the deterrent needs to be strong for motorists from all jurisdictions, particularly for repeat offenders,’’ Mr Calafiore said.

“The evidence is clear, even just one drink impairs a person’s ability to drive safely.”

Before last month’s changes, Victoria could apply a driver’s licence ban imposed in another state but couldn’t impose an alcohol interlock condition — even for serious drink-driving offences.

Drivers coming from New South Wales faced a five-year licence ban in Victoria, which could be reduced if they had an interlock fitted.

But they had to serve the full ban in New South Wales because Victoria was unable to apply alcohol interlock laws for interstate offences.

About a third of people killed on Victoria’s roads have drugs, alcohol or both in their system.

Further new laws will from November empower police to seize the cars of repeat drink and drug drivers while the force is ramping up roadside testing for illicit substances.

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