From May 20, even first-time low-range drink drivers will be given an immediate three-month licence suspension and fine of $561.

The laws were passed through state parliament last September in another bid to tackle the state's rod toll.

Roads Minister Andrew Constance welcomed the tougher penalties.

"This reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price," Mr Constance said.

"We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving."

Under the new laws, simpler and more certain penalties will also apply for drug drivers.

Offenders who drive with the presence of illicit drugs for the first time will receive a $561 fine and a three-month licence suspension if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis.

Mr Constance said alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of at least 68 people on NSW roads last year, accounting for nearly one-in-five road deaths.

Those deaths included 55 lives lost on country roads.

Fatalities from crashes involving a drug driver accounted for similar numbers of deaths.

"Drivers who have an illegal level of alcohol in their blood or have used illegal drugs have no place on the road," Mr Constance said.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy said the reforms would help protect all road users by ensuring swift and certain penalties.

"Alcohol is one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.

"The 0.05 blood alcohol limit has been in place for almost 38 years. There are no more excuses."

Who remembers this classic RBT community service announcement?