Tough new rules for Ontario’s young drivers take effect Aug. 1
Posted July 26, 2010 10:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario government revealed strict new rules for young drivers, Monday.
Drivers who are 21 years old or younger will now be required to have a zero blood alcohol level when they get behind the wheel.
Tougher penalties will be in effect for those who break the law, including:
- Immediate 24-hour licence suspension
- 30-day licence suspension
- Up to $500 in fines
The changes are expected to take effect on August 1.
The news conference was held by Ontario Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne and the CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada.
According to MADD, those between the ages of 15 to 25 account for 34 per cent of the total alcohol-related crash deaths.
Anne Leonard, executive director of Arrive Alive, Drive Sober, was among those present at the news conference.
“It’s good news for all the drivers who obey the laws and for those who break the laws, because they will be safer,” Leonard said.
Brian Patterson, president of the Ontario Safety League, told 680News it’s a good rule for everyone.
Aside from the alcohol change, drivers in the graduated licensing system will face tougher penalties if they violate the conditions of their licence, or if they are convicted of any offences that carry four or more demerit points.
The penalties include:
- 30-day licence suspension for the first instance
- 90-day licence suspension for a second instance
- Further offences can lead to cancellation of the licence and other penalties
