Novice Range Offences – NSW

Criminal legal

This article explores the penalties associated with special range drink driving offences in NSW and provides examples of past offences to highlight the consequences

Drink driving is a serious offence that poses a threat to road safety. In New South Wales (NSW), special range drink driving refers to instances where a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) falls within a specific range above the legal limit.

Special Range Drink Driving Offense

Special range drink driving occurs when a driver’s BAC falls between 0.02 and 0.049, which is above the zero BAC limit imposed on learner, provisional, and probationary license holders, but below the general limit of 0.05 for fully licensed drivers.

Penalties for special range drink driving offences in NSW

The penalties for special range drink driving offences in NSW are intended to deter individuals from driving under the influence and protect public safety. The consequences include:

Fines 

Offenders can face significant fines. For a first-time special range drink driving offence, the fine can be up to $1,100. Repeated offences may result in higher fines.

License Disqualification

Special range drink driving offences entail license disqualification for a period determined by the court. The duration of disqualification depends on factors such as the offender’s BAC level, prior offences, and individual circumstances.

Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program

In certain cases, offenders may be required to participate in the mandatory alcohol interlock program. This involves installing an interlock device in their vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected in their breath.

Examples of Past Offenses

To understand the consequences of special-range drink driving, here are a few examples of past offences in NSW:

Example 1: John, a fully licensed driver, was pulled over during a random breath test and recorded a BAC reading of 0.048. He was charged with special range drink driving. John faced a fine of $1,100 and received a three-month license disqualification.

Example 2: Sarah, a provisional license holder, was stopped by the police for a routine check. Her breath test showed a BAC of 0.028, placing her in the special range category. As a result, Sarah received a fine of $1,100 and a three-month license disqualification.

Example 3: a learner driver, Mark was involved in a minor accident. Subsequent testing revealed a BAC of 0.035. Mark faced penalties for exceeding the zero BAC limit for learner drivers, including a fine of $1,100 and a three-month license disqualification.

Conclusion

Special range drink driving offences in NSW carry penalties designed to discourage individuals from driving under the influence and promote road safety. Offenders face fines, license disqualification, and potential participation in the mandatory alcohol interlock program. These penalties aim to protect both drivers and the wider community.