[multiman]

Could anyone please give me a quick rundown on Australia's laws and penalties as regards drink driving?

[quincy]

The drink drive limit for Australia is a blood alcohol count of less than 0.05 to be allowed to legally drive. This level may be reduced further to a lower level or zero in some states for new and provisional drivers.

Penalties for drink driving vary from state to state, and range from losing points on you licence and receiving a fine to losing your licence and going to jail, depending on how much over the limit you are.

For South Australia :

Immediate loss of licence for six months if you are detected driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.08 and 0.149

Immediate loss of licence for 12 months if you are detected driving with a BAC of 0.15 or more

Loss of licence for second and subsequent offences of between 0.05 and 0.079 also applies.

Drivers who commit a serious drink driving offence must have an alcohol interlock (breath-testing) device fitted to their vehicle for a period of time at the end of their licence disqualification.

A serious drink driving offence is defined as:

* a second or subsequent offence, within a period of five years, of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08
* driving with a BAC at or above 0.15
* driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor
* refusing to provide a sample of breath or blood for the purpose of alcohol testing.
http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Transport%2C+travel+and+motoring/Motoring/Drivers+and+licences/Driving+offences+and+penalties/Losing+your+driver%27s+licence+(disqualification)

South Australia Gov also as a website to advise on how many standard drinks would be typically safe for you to drink based on your gender, age weight etc.

This easy-to-use interactive program will help you to estimate your Blood Alcohol Concentration through a simulated drinking session.
http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=180#e169

[fran]

Not much more to say here really than quincy, but here are the exact rules for Victoria:

What’s the law?Professional drivers such as truck, bus or taxi drivers; P-platers and learner drivers must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC), while all other drivers must stay under .05 BAC.

Drink driving offences are not limited to public roads. They can be committed on private property.

Those caught driving with a BAC over the legal limit face heavy fines and loss of licence and, for the most serious offenders, possible imprisonment.

It’s also an offence to:

•Drive under the influence of drugs
•Refuse to provide a breath or blood sample or stop at a booze bus (or Random Breath Test station), or fail to co-operate in the conduct of a breath or blood test
•Be .05 BAC or over while accompanying a learner driver


Offences and penalties

In 2009-10, one penalty unit is $116.82.

BAC Licence type, Fine Licence action / points

Less than .05
Zero BAC licence (professionals, P licence, L permit)
2.4 penalty units
Cancellation of licence for up to six months, or 10 demerit points

.05 to less than .07
Zero BAC licence (professionals, P licence, L permit and drivers under 26 years)
3 penalty units
Cancellation of licence and disqualification for at least 6 months.

.05 to less than .07
Full licence
3 penalty units
Cancellation of licence and disqualification for at least 6 months; or 10 demerit points

07 to less than .15 All drivers
3 to 4.2 penalty units
Cancellation of licence and disqualification from six to 14 months

.15 or above;
or for a second or subsequent offence
All drivers
Up to 25 penalty units
On-the-spot licence suspension, then attend Magistrates’ Court

Where the case must be heard by the Magistrates’ Court, if found guilty, the offender’s licence or permit will be cancelled for 15 to 48 months (minimum), and financial penalties will apply. Those committing the most serious offences and repeat offenders face possible imprisonment. The penalties for repeat drink driving offenders have been substantially increased with the maximum penalty now 18 months in prison. All offenders in these categories may have an alcohol interlock licence condition imposed when they are re-licensed.


http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RulesStandardsRegulations/RoadRulesRegulations/DrinkDriving.htm

[multiman]

Thanks for your help. It's Victoria rules that I'm most interested in. Do you know how many drinks for the average man the driving limit allows you to have? I know that it's different for every person, but I would like a general idea.

Thanks.

[austin]

I think that it is much the same as in the Uk - recommended is no more than two standard drinks in the first hour and then one standard drink hourly after that - but I'm not 100% sure.

[Cliff]

In Queensland consideration is being given to a 0.02 limit - which is less than 1 standard drink.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/just-one-drink-could-put-you-over-the-controversial-02-blood-alcohol-driving-limit/story-e6freon6-1225841086400

[aussie]

Hi,

This link gives you a rough idea on what alcohol levels could bring you to the 0.05 alcohol limit, for both me and women:

http://www.05licenceback.com.au/guide.htm