Alberta government imposing steep penalties but no charges on first-time impaired drivers

Jun 4, 2020 | 5:45 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta has introduced legislation that would add hefty fines and penalties for first-time impaired drivers but would not have them face a criminal charge.

Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer says the proposed change would reduce backlogs in courts and free up officers to do less paperwork and more police work.

He says the administrative penalties are so stiff and swift that they will deter first-time impaired drivers from reoffending and make roads and people safer.

The legislation would see a first-time impaired driver fined $1,000 and banned from driving for over a year unless they have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle.

Alberta government imposing steep penalties but no charges on first-time impaired drivers

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