In the News

Young drivers in Ont. to face stiffer rules
CBC
July 26, 2010

TORONTO (CBC) - The Ontario government announced new rules Monday for young and novice drivers that include tougher restrictions on blood-alcohol levels.

Under the rules, which come into effect on Aug. 1, drivers 21 years old and under must have zero blood alcohol levels while behind the wheel, regardless of their licence category.

Under the current system, the zero tolerance policy only applies to those with a G1 or G2 class licence.

"What we're trying to do is introduce sanctions that will educate drivers right up front so they get into good practices early on," Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne told CBC News.

Anyone caught breaking the new rules will have their licence suspended immediately for 24 hours and could face a further suspension of 30 days, plus a fine of up to $500.

The new rules also include a system of escalating sanctions for novice drivers who repeatedly violate traffic rules, Wynne said.

Under the new rules, novice drivers who accumulate four or more demerit points will be given a 30-day suspension for their first conviction, Wynne said.

"On second conviction, it's a 90-day suspension, and then potentially the novice licence could be cancelled and they'll have to start all over again," Wynne said.

"Just telling people things, just saying that you shouldn't drink and drive isn't enough," Wynne said. "We've got to educate people about these dangers, and these sanctions are part of the education."

Wynne said drivers aged 19 to 21 are nearly 1.5 times more likely to be involved in drinking and driving accidents that involve death or injury.

"It will save more lives than any other piece of legislation at a provincial level," said Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada CEO Andrew Murie.

The zero tolerance for drinking and driving for people 21 and under was passed after the Liberal government backed off another initiative that would have limited teenage drivers to having only one other teen passenger in their vehicles.

There are further sanctions dealing with novice drivers who have too many people in vehicle or are caught for certain speeding offences.

Also effective Aug. 3, eligible drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence for the first time will be able to reduce their licence suspension if they agree to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, at their expense.

The initiative is aimed at helping impaired drivers change their behaviour to prevent them from becoming repeat offenders, the ministry said in a statement.