Victoria has introduced new, stricter drink driving laws designed to curb alcohol-related road incidents. Effective from 17 October 2024 (Post updated 24 April 2025), these laws impose tougher penalties to discourage drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
Dylan Anderson
Why the Changes?
Drink driving is one of the leading causes of road deaths in Victoria. Since 2023, about 25% of drivers killed on the roads had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 or above. The updated legislation aims to reduce this number by reinforcing the consequences of impaired driving.
Key Changes to the Law
Under the new rules, any person found guilty of a drink driving offence in Victoria will face:
- A significant fine
- Licence disqualification
- Mandatory completion of a Behaviour Change Program
- Mandatory installation of an alcohol interlock device
- A requirement to maintain a zero BAC for a minimum of three years once their licence is reissued
For serious offences or repeat offenders, additional penalties such as vehicle impoundment or imprisonment may apply.
Zero BAC Rule
After completing the court-mandated Alcohol Interlock Program, offenders must drive with a zero BAC for three years. If an offender is caught exceeding zero BAC during this period, they are treated as a repeat offender. This resets the process—starting again with licence disqualification, interlock installation, and a new three-year zero BAC condition.
Alcohol Interlock Devices
These devices are mandatory for at least six months and can extend up to four years based on the severity of the offence. The interlock prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
Dylan Anderson
How Alcohol Impairs Driving
According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), alcohol impairs a driver’s:
- Reaction times
- Concentration
- Judgement of distance and speed
- Ability to detect traffic signals and other road users
Crash risk increases significantly with BAC levels:
- 0.05–0.08: Up to 5x more likely to crash
- 0.08–0.12: Up to 10x more likely to crash
Staying Safe
There is no guaranteed method to estimate your BAC accurately after drinking. It varies based on factors like weight, age, sex, and food intake. The safest option? Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Use a designated driver, taxi, or ride-share service.
Final Word
These new laws send a clear message: Victoria is serious about road safety. The goal is to eliminate preventable crashes caused by drink driving and ensure every road user gets home safely. Make the right choice—don’t drink and drive.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
