Province Announces Tighter Restrictions For Young Drivers
Posted July 26, 2010 7:49 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The province has unveiled tougher restrictions for drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 and will allow certain drivers convicted of impaired driving to reduce their licence suspension by installing an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
Ontario Transport Minister Kathleen Wynne announced Monday that young motorists with a full G-class licence must have a zero blood alcohol level. Drivers 21-years-old or younger caught with alcohol in their system will face an immediate 24-hour licence suspension, a 30-day licence suspension and a fine up to $500.
The new rule takes effect Aug. 1.
Click here for more information on blood alcohol concentration.
Click here for more information on various classes of driver’s licences in Ontario.
Current law states that drivers with a full G-class licence can have a blood alcohol concentration below 0.05.
And, as of Aug. 3, drivers convicted of impaired driving for the first time can have their licence suspension reduced if they agree to have an ignition interlock device put in their vehicle.
The driver, if eligible, would have to pay for the installation of the device.
“Ignition Interlock devices will make Ontario’s roads safer by encouraging drivers who have offended to adopt more responsible behaviour and by reducing the number of impaired drivers on the road,” Ontario Attorney General Chris Bentley said.
Click here for more information on ignition interlock devices.
The province is also increasing the penalties for drivers caught violating the requirements under the Graduated Licencing program. Those changes also take effect Aug. 1.
New motorists caught violating the conditions of their licence or who are convicted of a Highway Traffic offence that carries four or more demerit points will be subject to a licence suspension of 30 days for a first offence and 90 days for a second offence. Further violations could result in licence cancellation.
