Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Road Safety)

01 May 2018

The objects of the bill are: to amend the Road Transport Act 2013 to include cocaine as a prescribed illicit drug; to bring the consequences for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs in line with those for driving with a high range prescribed concentration of alcohol; to authorise a police officer to prevent a person suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or another drug from using a vehicle; to authorise the use of devices for the enforcement of offences relating to the use of a mobile phone by drivers of motor vehicles; and to make other amendments of a minor, miscellaneous or consequential nature. The purpose of the Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Road Safety) Bill is to improve road safety by enhancing our drug-driving enforcement, enhancing penalties for driving under the influence and providing for the adoption of new and emerging camera technology to address the risks of mobile phone use when driving.