Ontario Government Proposes Stricter Impaired Driving Laws

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Stricter Impaired Driving Penalties Coming to Ontario

The Ontario government plans to introduce tough new measures for impaired driving, including ignition interlock devices and lifetime driving bans, to enhance road safety. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced these measures as part of a broader initiative addressing licence suspensions for stunt driving and auto theft.

Mandatory Alcohol Screening in Ontario Already Happening

All drivers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area pulled over by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) highway safety officers will now be required to provide a breath sample, regardless of the reason for the stop. This initiative, already in effect, aims to deter impaired driving and make roads safer.

Key Points of the Proposed Ontario Impaired Driving Laws:

  1. Lifetime Driving Bans: Individuals convicted of impaired driving causing death will face a lifetime driving ban.
  2. Ignition Interlock Devices: First-time offenders will be required to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. These devices prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s system.
  3. Mandatory Training: Offenders will undergo mandatory remedial education and treatment for both alcohol and drug-related offences.
  4. Increased Roadside Licence Suspensions: Immediate roadside licence suspensions for first-time offenders will increase from 3 to 7 days, and for second-time offenders from 7 to 14 days.
  5. Police Authority: The legislation will clarify police authority to stop vehicles and conduct sobriety tests.
  6. Auto Theft Penalties: New rules include escalating licence suspensions for car thieves, potentially leading to lifetime bans for repeat offenders.

Support and Criticism:

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) supports the new measures, emphasizing the need for accountability and recidivism reduction.
  • Critics argue that harsher penalties may not be effective, suggesting that installing interlock devices in all cars could be a better solution.

Additional Measures:

  • Enhanced tools and training for police to detect drug-impaired driving.
  • A public campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving, particularly targeting young drivers.

The legislation aims to make Ontario roads safer and reduce the number of lives lost due to impaired driving.

DUI Car Insurance Ontario

Note: It’s important to remember that DUI insurance is very expensive. Convictions for impaired driving can significantly increase insurance premiums. By driving responsibly, we can keep our roads safe and ensure everyone’s safety.

For more updates on car insurance and road safety measures, stay tuned to our blog.

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