Police now have more power over impaired drivers across Canada.
“We have new authority for investigating impaired drivers on the road,” says Bancroft OPP Constable Philippe Regamey. The legislation was passed in June but came into effect today. Along with new penalties, the police now have the right to ask for a breath sample from any driver they stop.
The new penalties for drunk driving are:
- Mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 fine for the first offence with a blood alcohol content of 80-119 mg
- Mandatory minimum fine of $1,500 for the first offence with a blood alcohol content of 120-159 mg
- Mandatory minimum fine of $2,500 for the first offence with a blood alcohol content of 160 mg or more
- Mandatory minimum fine of $2,000 for the first offence, but refuse to be tested
- Mandatory 30 days in prison for a second offence
- Mandatory minimum of 120 days in prison for a third or any further offences
- Maximum penalties for impaired driving causing no bodily harm or death
- Summary conviction carries two years less a day imprisonment
- Indictment carries 10 years imprisonment
- Maximum penalties for impaired driving causing bodily harm:
- Summary conviction for less severe injuries carries two years less a day imprisonment
- Indictment carries 14 years imprisonment
- Maximum penalty of life in prison for impaired driving causing death
“We want those individuals to make the right choice always and not get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking,” Regamey adds. If you are drinking and need to get home, find another way home that doesn’t involve you driving.