Stricter drunk-driving laws came in effect across Canada on Tuesday. The rules give law enforcement new powers when it comes to testing drivers.
The rules are aimed at curbing injuries, death and they’re meant to help police catch drivers operating a motor vehicle with more than the legal limit of alcohol in their bloodstream.
Those changes are the result of Bill C-46, which was passed in June and came into effect on Tuesday.
The new law bumps in the maximum penalties.
So here’s a look at the breakdown –
- First offence: Mandatory minimum $1,000 fine
- Second offence: Mandatory minimum 30 days imprisonment
- Third or more offence: Mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment
In addition to the new regulations, officers no longer need reasonable suspicion to be able to demand breath samples from drivers and there are penalties if a driver refuses.
Const. Any Gagnon of Ottawa Police Service, said, “It is a demand so you have to do it and there are actually consequences if you refuse. It’s the same consequences that are in the law right now, it’s for refusal.”
Other Notable Charges
- An immediate 90-day driver license suspension.
- 7-day vehicle impound
- A criminal charge of refusal and that can carry up to $2000 in fines.
So as expected, many civil rights organizations have already sounded alarm about the new rules.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has expressed concern about how mandatory alcohol screening could unfairly affect racial minorities as they are often singled out by police.
Criminal defense lawyer Karen Joe Hayden says she’s concerned about how this process violates rules about search and seizures and unlawful detention.
She said that she is ready to test new roadside rules in the court.
-Harleen Sandhu
