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Police have conducted a territory-wide anti-drink driving operation from July 9 to 10 and arrested seven drivers for drink-driving related offences.
During the two-day operation codenamed "QuickChaser", a total of 1,179 drivers were required to conduct random breath tests (RBT). Among them, seven were unable to pass the screening breath tests and were arrested. Six of them subsequently failed the evidential breath test and will be charged with the relevant offence.
A Police spokesman said since the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 has come into effect on February 9, 2009, police officers are empowered to conduct RBTs on drivers.
Since the introduction of the new legislation till yesterday (July 10), Police had breath tested 219,146 drivers in various RBT operations. Among them, 1,186 were either found to have proportions of alcohol exceeded the prescribed limit or refused to be tested, and 873 were subsequently charged with the relevant offences.
Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000, three years' imprisonment and to incur 10 driving-offence points.
The new legislation also raises the penalties on drink driving offences by disqualifying the offenders from driving for not less than three months on first conviction and not less than two years on second conviction. Drivers with drink driving conviction are required to attend Driving Improving Course on mandatory basis before they can get back their driving licenses. In addition, they may not be insured when being convicted for drink driving offences.
Police Report No. 13
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Monday, July 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 22:37
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