Drug affected drivers will be hit with instant 24-hour roadside bans as part of sweeping reforms being introduced into Parliament today.
The reforms include the creation of new offences for driving while affected by a combination of alcohol and drugs.
This is to recognise the increased level of driving impairment and the risk posed by those people who mix alcohol and drugs, and then drive.
For example, someone caught driving under the influence of alcohol and meth could face a maximum fine of up to $5,600 and will have their licence disqualified for at least 15 months.
A repeat offender could face 18 months imprisonment and would have their licence disqualified permanently.
Currently Western Australia is one of only two states in Australia where despite a driver testing positive to a roadside drug test, they are able to continue driving.
To protect other road users, these changes will authorise police to immediately prohibit a driver who tests positive for drugs at a roadside test, from driving for 24 hours.
As part of the changes, fines for standalone drink and drug driving offences have also been increased.
Alcohol and drug related fatalities account for around one-fifth of all fatalities on Western Australian roads.
The initiatives are part of the McGowan Government's commitment and focus to road safety and determination to take dangerous drivers off our roads.
As stated by Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts:
"These reforms are long overdue and will finally bring Western Australia into line with the law in other states.
"The dangers of driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs have been known for some time, but the previous Government took no action on this front.
"As with all their policies to do with tackling meth, they sat on their hands and hoped it would go away.
"Driving under the influence of drugs is reckless and plainly irresponsible.
"These are tough penalties, but they are designed to make our roads safer.
