Low-level Victorian drink-drivers to face immediate licence cancellation under tougher laws

First-time drink-driving offenders in Victoria are going to be stripped of their licences and have devices installed in their vehicles under new laws being pushed through by the Andrews Government.

The new laws – which will target low range drink drivers - were introduced to parliament yesterday and if passed will come into effect in early 2018, the Herald Sun reports.

It will see drink-drivers caught with the lowest punishable blood-alcohol level of 0.05 to 0.07 have their licences immediately cancelled.

Offenders, even first time offenders, will be disqualified from driving for three months.

Up to 3000 motorists with their full drivers licence are caught driving with the lowest punishable blood-alcohol level annually.

Every motorist caught with an illegal blood alcohol level will also be required to have an interlock fitted to their vehicle for a minimum of six months after they are allowed to start driving again.

The interlock will immobilise the car until the driver successful passes a breath­alyser test.

The device will be fitted, maintained and removed at the expense of the driver. They are $180 to fit, $100 to remove, and another $100 per month to maintain.

They will also have to completely a behavioural change program.