WA Drink Driving Penalties

The penalties for drink driving in Western Australia are based on the amount of alcohol content in the blood of the arrested drink driver. On October 1, 2011, the penalties for drink driving were increased to reduce fatalities in road accidents. The increase in the penalties affects all drivers, from novice to those holding extraordinary license to drive. It aims to defer drivers from driving while affected by alcohol or drugs.

For those arrested and found to have blood alcohol content of  0.05 - < 0.08 g/ml, the consequences would either be infringement or will be required to appear in court. If the blood alcohol content for the first time offender is or above 0.05 but less than 0.08 g/ml, the infringement is $250 and the maximum court penalty is $500.

For drivers who are required to have blood alcohol content of zero, the penalties would be as follows: if the blood alcohol content is or above zero but less than 0.02, the infringement is $100 and the maximum court penalty is $150 and if the blood alcohol content is or above 0.02 but less than 0.05g/ml, there is no infringement by only maximum court penalty of $300 and 3 months disqualification.