Stricter roadside licence suspensions, extended look-back periods, and mandatory education programs are among the key changes

The province is cracking down on alcohol and drug-impaired driving with a series of reforms that will impact both first-time and repeat offenders.

Effective January 1, you will see:

1. Increased Roadside Licence Suspensions

First offence: Suspensions increase from 3 to 7 days.Second offence: Suspensions increase from 7 to 14 days.Applies to young and novice drivers violating zero-tolerance, warn-range BAC (blood alcohol content) (0.05-0.079), or failing Standard Field Sobriety Testing.

2. Look Back Period

A ‘look back period’ refers to the timeframe within which the number of previous alcohol and/or drug-related occurrences is considered when determining sanctions for a subsequent occurrence.The following look-back periods are being extended from five years to 10 years: this applies to all sanctions related to alcohol and/or drug-related occurrences, including Administrative Penalties, licence suspensions, ignition interlock requirements, and remedial programs.

4. Mandatory Remedial Education for First-Time Occurrences

Drivers receiving their first roadside suspension for alcohol/drug-related occurrences must complete a remedial education program, delivered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.Second or subsequent suspensions require participation in a treatment program.These requirements will be reflected in the updated Notice of Suspension and the Inquiry Services System.

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.