The province is introducing tougher rules to reduce alcohol- and drug-impaired driving. The changes will affect both new and repeat offenders and take effect on January 1.
Longer roadside licence suspensions
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First offence: Licence suspensions increase from 3 days to 7 days.
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Second offence: Suspensions increase from 7 days to 14 days.
These rules apply to young and novice drivers who break zero-tolerance laws, have a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.079, or fail a roadside sobriety test.
Longer look-back period
The “look-back period” is the time used to count past alcohol- or drug-related driving offences. This period is increasing from five years to 10 years.
The longer period will apply to all penalties, including licence suspensions, ignition interlock requirements, administrative penalties, and education or treatment programs.
Mandatory education and treatment
Drivers who receive their first roadside suspension must complete an education program run by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Drivers with a second or later suspension must take part in a treatment program. These requirements will be listed on the driver’s suspension notice.
Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is urged to call 911.
