A new zero BAC statutory requirement for all heavy vehicle drivers is now in effect in Victoria.
VicRoads this week announced operators of trucks greater than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) must have a zero blood-alcohol limit.
The law, which had previously only applied to drivers of a heavy vehicle with a GVM greater than 15 tonnes, came into effect on 1 April 2021.
At a BAC of .05, the risk of being involved in a road crash, according to VicRoads, is about double compared with a BAC of zero.
Studies show some drivers can be impaired from as little as 0.02 BAC.
“The penalties will be the same as those that currently apply to drivers based on their licence and legal limit,” said VicRoads.
“The penalty will differ depending on the BAC reading and other factors, but all offences will incur loss of licence, a mandatory behaviour change program and an alcohol interlock,” continued the statement.
“The Department of Transport, in close consultation with the transport industry, has developed an alcohol and other drugs (AOD) policy resource kit to support heavy vehicle operators to establish and implement best practice management of AODs.
“The resource kit is designed to support these organisations with content that is customised to their business needs, as well as supporting managers and supervisors to develop and apply policies and procedures.”