All drink driving offences carry mandatory and minimum disqualification periods, whether it be a Novice Range Drink Drive, Low Range PCA, Mid Range, or High Range PCA.
For repeat drink drivers, gaol sentences are seriously considered by magistrates and judges, given the risk they present to other drivers.
Drivers in the Low Range PCA are those who have a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 to 0.079. Offences in this range do not carry a gaol sentence. They do, however, have a 3 month minimum disqualification period with an automatic and maximum 6 months disqualification period. For second or subsequent offenders, the minimum disqualification period is doubled to 6 months, with an automatic disqualification period of 12 months.
Drivers in the Mid Range PCA are those who have a blood alcohol concentration between 0.080 to 0.14. Offences in this range carries a maximum gaol term of 9 months, and for second or subsequent offences, 12 months. A minimum 6 months driver licence disqualification period is applicable for first time offenders, but the minimum disqualification period is doubled for second or subsequent offenders.
The High Range PCA category is the highest level of drink driving. Not only does it carry a maximum gaol term of 18 months for first offenders (and 2 years gaol term for second/subsequent offenders), but there is a minimum drivers licence disqualification of 12 months, or 2 years licence disqualification period of 2 years for second or subsequent offenders. From 1 February 2015, new laws passed which now requires offenders to fit alcohol interlock devices to their vehicles. An interlock is an electronic breath testing device connected to the ignition of a vehicle. It prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The court will order offenders to complete their licence disqualification period and a minimum 12 month participation in the interlock program.
Call Austere Legal on (02) 8897 3534 for an appraisal of your drink driving matter.