ALMOST 200 motorists in Western NSW have lost their driver's licence since new drink driving laws were introduced six months ago.
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Introduced on May 20, the tough new penalty means an immediate loss of licence for anyone caught over the limit, even first-time, low-range drink drivers.
Anyone caught over the limit will receive a three-month licence suspension and a fine of $561.
NSW Police Western Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Ben Macfarlane said 199 motorists in Western NSW were issued a penalty notice during the six-month period.
They were all first-time offenders detected with either the low or novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol.
Inspector Macfarlane said the new laws have assisted local courts and freed up police to spend more time on the road.
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"These reforms protect all road users by giving police the power to suspend licences on the spot, and in some circumstances seize ignition keys, seize the vehicle, or immobilise it to ensure the offence cannot continue," he said.
"Alcohol is one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads."
Inspector Macfarlane said the 0.05 blood alcohol limit had been in place for almost two generations.
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"There are no more excuses, if you are detected you are immediately going to have your licence suspended and either be charged or receive a penalty notice for drink driving," he said.
"There is no safe level of alcohol in your blood when it comes to operating a vehicle."
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