TOUGHER DRUG-IMPAIRED DRIVING PENALTIES START THIS WEEKEND
Sep 28, 2016
By Bob Komsic
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The province is bringing in drug-impaired driving penalties to match those for drunk driving.
Beginning this Sunday October 2, drivers under the influence of drugs will face:
A $180 penalty
Immediate licence suspension of three days the first time they’re caught, seven days the second time and 30 days for the third and any subsequent occurrences after failing a roadside sobriety test
A possible 90-day licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment following more testing by a drug recognition expert at the police station
Mandatory education or treatment programs and installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for drivers with two or more licence suspensions involving alcohol or drugs within a 10-year period.
In addition, impaired driving can lead to criminal charges that could ultimately result in a loss of licence, additional fines and a prison sentence.