Repeat drink drivers will soon face a physical barrier in their cars should they attempt to drink and drive.
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From early next year, high range and repeat drink drive offenders will be ordered to have an alcohol ignition interlock for at least 12 months.
That means those caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.150 or above or who have committed two offences within five years will be required by law to have a breath test device connected to the ignition of their vehicle to stop it from starting if the driver has been drinking alcohol.
Last week, the Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay announced laws making alcohol interlock devices mandatory for serious and repeat drink drivers had passed the NSW Parliament.
Mr Gay said it was the delivery of a commitment made by the NSW Government to crack down on repeat offenders who put the lives of all road users at risk with their dangerous behaviour.
"It's a disgrace that drink driving is such high risk problem on our roads with about 26,000 offences across the state every year," Mr Gay said.
"We know drivers convicted of drink driving offences pose a particularly high risk to the community, with data showing one in six offenders could re-offend with a subsequent drink driving offence within five years."
Based on current figures, more than 6,000 new drink drive offenders could be required to fit their vehicles with the interlock each year.
In addition, drink drivers who are convicted of a second or subsequent offence in a five year period will be required to pass a driver knowledge test.
People will be fined $2200 if they try and evade the interlock system.