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Low-range drink drivers will lose their licence on the spot under changes passed by the NSW Parliament on Thursday. The new rules will see drivers who test between 0.05 and 0.08 lose their licence for three months and also be hit with a $561 fine. The penalty will apply to first-time drug detection offences. The interlock program, which links a breath-testing device to a car’s ignition, will be extended to mid-range driving offences. High-risk repeat offenders could also see their licence plates confiscated and vehicle impounded. The rules will come into force at the end of 2018. “We needed a stronger deterrent,” said Roads Minister Melinda Pavey. “Last year 55 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes and 81 people died in crashes involving someone with illicit drugs in their system. “The 0.05 limit has been in place in NSW for almost 38 years. Today is about driving home to the community that there are no more excuses.”

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