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By Justin Dionne

New impaired driving laws come into effect tomorrow

Dec 17, 2018 | 1:58 PM

New impaired driving laws come into effect tomorrow.

The changes allow RCMP to conduct breathalyzer tests on lawfully stopped motorists.

Corporal Chris Warren stresses police will only be able to demand a breath sample if a driver has been lawfully pulled over. 

“Mandatory alcohol screening provisions in the criminal code will authorize police officers to demand that any lawfully stopped driver provide a breath sample into an approved screening device,” says Warren. “Mandatory alcohol screening does not provide a new power for law enforcement to stop a vehicle, the screening only becomes applicable after the vehicle is lawfully stopped for some other reason, and if the officer has an approved screening device with them.”

Warren notes mandatory alcohol screening has been internationally credited to reduce impaired driving incidents and can be a valuable public safety tool. He says RCMP are encouraging the public to plan ahead and not drive impaired.

“Right on December 18 this comes into place, and as is our usual message during the holiday season, there are more users on the roadways and people are engaging in festivities,” says Warren. “We just hope that they act responsibly and make other arrangements if they’re going to be consuming alcohol or using cannabis this holiday season.”
 
Warren adds the penalties for being caught driving while impaired range from three-day vehicle seizures to 90-day license suspensions, and fines of up to $1,000 on first convictions. 

“There’s a wide range of penalties, and it depends on a number of factors, but the message still remains the same: if you’re going to be consuming alcohol or cannabis this holiday season, to make other arrangements. Whether it’s a taxi or a ride-sharing service, public transit, a friend, or walking home. Any of those options are much better than having yourself be a danger to others on the roadway.”

These changes were passed in June as part of the impaired driving bill that accompanied the new legislation legalizing cannabis, Bill C-46. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving says on average, four Canadians are killed daily by impaired drivers. 

by Justin Dionne