Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to stiff penalties, no matter what the extent of your blood alcohol level. In Sydney, drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.05, or they will be considered legally drunk if pulled over.
The number of drivers on the road exceeding the legal BAC limit is staggering. Random breath testing results show that one in every 300 drivers tested is legally drunk. While 0.05 may not seem as though it is high, research confirms that any level BAC over 0.05 doubles a driver risk of accident injury and the risk of a fatal car crash. In Australia, alcohol is the leading case for car crashes.
When charged with a DUI (Driving Under Influence of Alcohol), NEVER plead guilty. A Drink Driving lawyer Sydney is your best defense.
What is BAC?
Blood alcohol content is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in an individual’s body. BAC is measured as grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Therefore, 0.05 is 0.05 gm alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
How Drinking Alcohol Can Affect Your Driving?
- Impairs your reaction time. Studies show, drivers driving under the influence of alcohol have a slower reaction time, which can be critical in an emergency response situation.
- Impairs your thinking. Alcohol makes the thinking process dull; therefore, interferes with your skill and awareness of other drivers and / or vehicles.
- Causes short term side effects like reduced hearing and blurred vision.
- Alcohol slows down the body, both mentally and physically. Judgment and memory, as well as reaction time, are all affected.
How BAC is Measured?
When a police officer pulls a driver over on suspicion of driving under the influence, they will administer a breath test. A blood alcohol test may also be taken, depending on the circumstances.
What are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Sydney?
When a driver is convicted of driving while under the influence with no prior convictions, the penalties include:
- Automatic suspension of their driver’s license for six months, which can be reduced to no less than three months
- A maximum fine of $1,100 for a BAC of 0.05 to 0.079. A maximum fine of $2200 for a BAC of 0.08 to 0.149 and a maximum fine of $3300 for a BAC over 0.150.
- Jail time may be required depending on the amount of alcohol in the driver’s system.
- Should the driver refuse a breath test, an additional fine of up to $3300 will apply.
For drivers with previous convictions, the penalties are greater and can include 2 years behind bars.
While drinking and driving should never mix, if you do drink and get behind the wheel, reduce your chances of being pulled over by following the guide below to keep BAC under 0.05.
Females
Females can drink no more than one standard alcoholic drink in the first hour and no more than one standard alcoholic drink every hour thereafter.
Males
Males can consume no more than two standard alcoholic drinks in the first hour and one standard alcoholic drink every hour thereafter.
Alcohol does not have the same effect on all individuals and should never be consumed when you will be behind the wheel. The consequences of a DUI are life-changing, and the impact will follow for many years.
Should you be charged with a DUI, a DUI lawyer in Sydney is your best defense and should be immediately contacted.
When you have been charged with a DUI, you need the immediate assistance of a drink driving offences lawyer Sydney.
Contact Family Lawyers at 02 8084 2764 to Challenge any Drink Driving Charge.
