Revised drink driving legislation to come into effect next Monday
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The Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008, which will take effect next Monday (February 9), empowers Police to conduct random breath test (RBT) to deter drink driving. The power will allow Police officers to stop a driver at any place and at any time, without the need for a reasonable suspicion.

A pre-screening device will be used for RBT to speed up the process. Any driver who fails the "pre-screening breath test" will have to undergo a "screening breath test". The existing procedures to require drivers who are involved in a traffic accident or a moving traffic offence or suspected of drink driving to undergo a "screening breath test" remain unchanged.

Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will be liable to three years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $25,000 and to incur 10 driving-offence points.

The new legislation also raises the penalties on drink driving offences by disqualifying the offenders from driving for not less than three months on first conviction and not less than two years on second conviction. Drivers with drink driving conviction are required to attend Driving Improving Course on mandatory basis before they can get back their driving licence.

Police Report No. 4

Saturday, February 7, 2009