Jail Time for 1 Drink on the New ZERO Tolerance Drinking & Driving Limit
The government has stated that the reason for this new zero tolerance law is to decrease road deaths but we know it will be increasing the money in government officials pockets and increase bribary by police officials, are you for or against this new law? We are all desperately trying to reduce costs in South Africa as the cost of living is only going to get more expensive this year so do yourself a favour and check if you could be paying less for your car insurance premium here in 5 minutes:
The drinking and driving law was always the following:
0.05 grams per 100 milliliters for normal drivers and 0.02 grams per 100 milliliters for professional drivers. But Mbalula said that, come June, this will be no more.
“We are going to be intolerant to drinking and driving. We’re going beyond saying there’s some percentage – it must be zero percent. It’s going to be zero. No alcohol in the blood – and the law is going to bite with regard to that,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula has stated that they have had 500 000 comments from the public relating to the new Aarto Act and only one comment was opposed to the 0% blood alcohol limit, he says there was overwhelming support for this new law. The Minister of the police force Bheki Cele said the drunk driving stats in South Africa have proved how much this new zero tolerance law is needed. It was reported that 24 000 people were arrested over the festive season for driving while over the blood alcohol limit. The ministry of transport stated that in 2019 road accidents have cost the South African economy R168 billion with 1300 fatal crashes.
“When someone is involved in an accident, they don’t go to their insurance to claim but instead go to the RAF (Road Accident Fund). That person claims for anything. The RAF is dealing with claims of people who are covered and it eats at the economy.” Said Mbalula (read more about the Road Accident Fund ).
He also stated that road accidents need to be curbed and they are introducing these laws to “save taxpayers money”, I mean really! There are many other more direct ways to save tax payers money, how about reducing government officials expenses on private jets and expensive cars.
The 0% legal drinking and driving limit isn’t the only thing that is coming into effect in June. The infamous Demerit System will be enforced June 2020! When the Demerit System comes into play this year you will receive 12 points a year and they are yours to lose. Read more about the Demerit System