Ontario has toughened its impaired driving laws to drive home the message that drinking and driving is not acceptable under any circumstance.
Since May 1, 2009, if you are found to have a blood alcohol concentration from 0.05 to 0.08 (the "warn range") while driving you will:
- Have your driver's licence suspended for three days the first time you are caught
- Have your driver's licence suspended for seven days and have to attend an alcohol education program the second time you are caught
- Have your driver's license suspended for 30 days, complete a remedial alcohol treatment program and have an ignition interlock condition placed on your driver's licence for six months.
- Transportation Minister Jim Bradley
"In light of the recent discussion in the media about this change, it is important to note that drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 have been subject to short-term suspensions since 1981; the new aspect is recorded, escalating sanctions. These increased consequences should motivate us all to aim for zero."
- Arrive Alive DRIVE SOBER president
Brian Mitchell
Quick facts
- You don't need to have a 0.08 blood alcohol concentration to be impaired. Statistics show that drivers whose blood alcohol concentration is from 0.05 to 0.08 are about seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than someone who has not been drinking.
- In 2005, one of every six fatally injured drinking drivers had a blood alcohol concentration of less than 0.08.
Learn more about drinking and driving law in Ontario here: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/impaired-driving.shtml