Queensland Adopts Zero Blood Alcohol Limit For L And P-Platers Of All Ages

QUEENSLAND PREMIER Anna Bligh has announced that learner and provisional drivers of all ages will soon be required to maintain a zero blood alcohol content when driving.

The new legislation, to be introduced in February, replaces existing laws which require only L- and P-plate drivers under the age of 25 to keep their blood alcohol content to zero.

"Currently people aged over 25 who have a learner, provisional or probationary licence can drive with a blood alcohol content below 0.05 per cent but the new laws will extend to all novice drivers regardless of their age," Ms Bligh said.

"Motorcycle riders are [particularly] vulnerable. They are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than other road users and more fatal crashes occur in the first 12 months of holding a motorcycle licence.

Ms Bligh said that the dangers for novice motorcyclists are high regardless of age, pointing to data that showed 36 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes between 2002 and 2006 involved novice riders between 30 and 49 years old.

"The no alcohol restriction will reinforce the message to these licence holders that they are novice drivers and riders who are still developing their driving skills. "