A pair of provisional drivers in New South Wales have found themselves in hot water after a failed attempt to avoid drink and drug driving charges. The bizarre incident unfolded on Sydney’s City West Link, where Leichhardt Highway Patrol officers were conducting random testing.
The Incident
Police observed a Toyota HiAce stopping in the left-hand lane, with the driver and passenger allegedly swapping seats. The seat swap was not only witnessed by other motorists but also by police officers, who promptly stopped the van.
The new "driver," who had just taken control of the vehicle, produced a driver’s licence that wasn’t his New South Wales-issued licence. Further checks revealed he held a provisional licence. Despite P-platers being subject to zero tolerance for alcohol, a breath test allegedly returned a blood-alcohol content (BAC) level between 0.05 and 0.079. He also tested positive for cocaine.
Penalties for the First Driver
The first driver was issued penalty notices for:
- Low-range drink driving
- Failing to display P plates
- Not carrying his licence
These offences resulted in an immediate three-month licence suspension.
The Passenger's Offences
The "passenger," who had been driving before the seat swap, was also found to be a provisional licence holder. Police discovered he had a prior licence suspension and allegedly tested positive for cocaine as well. He has been issued a court attendance notice for driving on a suspended licence.
Drug Testing and Potential Further Penalties
Drug samples from both men have been sent for analysis, with further penalties potentially pending based on the results. Under New South Wales law, it is an offence for motorists to have any amount of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, in their system.
Tougher Laws on Drug Driving
The incident comes in the wake of new laws introduced on September 1, 2024, granting New South Wales police greater powers to arrest alleged drug drivers on the spot. These measures aim to curb drug-impaired driving and enhance road safety.
A Cautionary Tale
This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of impaired driving and attempting to evade responsibility. Both drivers now face significant penalties that could impact their ability to drive for years to come.
