Melbourne, Jun 15 (IANS): Australia's Victoria state will adopt a zero tolerance policy towards drunk drivers, with harsh new laws to be introduced from August 1.

Minister for Police and Corrections, Wade Noonan, on Monday said that offenders would have their cars impounded if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.1 -- twice the legal limit, Xinhua reported.

Offenders will also have their licences cancelled for 10 months and will slapped with a $500 fine.

"They're tough new laws, but obviously laws that are designed to send a very strong message to those who get behind the wheel having drunk a considerable amount," Noonan said.

"People that drive with that much alcohol in their system are idiots," he added.

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Victoria, and all other Australian states, is below 0.05.

Previously, first-time offenders were issued a small fine and would be disqualified from driving for up to six months pending an appeal, but Noonan said the changes reflected the tough stance that many law-abiding citizens wanted.