Police are concerned that young drivers are increasingly prepared to drink and drive although they face more stringent penalties.
One in five drink drivers detected in Victoria are aged 25 and under.
Victoria Police analysis shows that 20 per cent of drivers detected over the prescribed limit between April 2021 and March 2022 fell into the younger age bracket.
Police say the trend suggests many are opting to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel rather than remaining sober or using alternative transport when drinking – despite probationary and learner drivers being required to have a zero-alcohol limit.
Police are reminding young drivers that the penalties for drink driving are significant.
Drivers aged under 26 or subject to zero blood alcohol content conditions receive an on-the-spot $555 fine and six-month licence disqualification for a first offence, while novice drivers receive an on-the-spot fine of $462 and a three-month licence disqualification.
More serious drink driving offences can result in further penalties including vehicle impoundment, licence cancellation or extensive disqualification, hefty fines, and even jail time.
Meanwhile, police in Melbourne’s northwest suburbs have issued more than 100 defect notices, impounded almost 30 vehicles, and arrested 17 people as part of a blitz against intentional high-risk driving on our roads.
Between Sunday 21 August and Saturday 27 August, Highway Patrol units and members of the North West Metro Achilles Taskforce saturated known hoon hot spots, utilised Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, and undertook bail compliance checks on dangerous drivers to keep the roads as safe as possible.
During the course of the week, police:
- Issued 104 defect notices. Those issued with a defect notice will have 28 days to ensure the car is roadworthy or their registration will be cancelled.
Impounded 28 vehicles. - Arrested 17 people, including multiple offenders connected to driving offences, as well as other offenders identified due to the strong police presence in these areas.
- Identified 8 drink drivers and 7 drug drivers.
- Issued 175 infringements.