The revamped impaired driving legislation goes into effect this weekend and the province hopes the new laws will help cut down on the number of injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers.
The new legislation drops the legal alcohol level from .08 to .05.
The province believes the new levels will discourage drinking and driving and says offenders will face the harshest penalties.
The following penalties will apply starting on July 1, 2012:
For drivers with blood alcohol over .08:
- Criminal charge
- Immediate licence suspension which is sustained until criminal charge is resolved.
- 1st charge: sustained licence suspension and 3-day vehicle seizure, “Planning Ahead” course.
- 2nd charge: sustained licence suspension, 7- day vehicle seizure, “Impact” course.
- 3rd charge: sustained licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, “Impact” course
- Mandatory ignition interlock after criminal conviction – 1 year for 1st conviction; 3 years for 2nd conviction; 5 years for 3rd conviction
For drivers with Blood Alcohol .05 to .08:
- 1st offence - Immediate 3-day licence suspension and 3-day vehicle seizure.
- 2nd offence - Immediate 15-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, “Planning Ahead” course
- 3rd offence - Immediate 30-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, “Impact” course
For new (GDL) drivers with blood alcohol over .00
- GDL driver found with any blood alcohol - Immediate 30-day licence suspension and 7-day vehicle seizure
For more information on the new law, visit the Alberta Transportation website.
