Strengthening Alberta's approach to impaired driving

The Labor Day long weekend is right around the corner and Alberta has made some changes to the province's impaired driving laws.

Remember not to Drink and Drive there are alternatives to getting home. Plan ahead have a designated driver, call a taxi, take public transit or call a friend!

Our province’s new impaired driving law will help to reduce the number of drinking drivers on our roads – and that means fewer deaths and serious injuries. Drivers who are criminally impaired or refuse to provide a breath sample will receive the harshest penalties. And, these drivers will still be charged with a criminal offence. Tougher consequences at the .05 to .08 level are designed to discourage drinking and driving – before drivers reach the criminally impaired level. Our goal is to create safer roads by ensuring that Albertans take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel.

• Alberta is focusing on those who receive Criminal Code offences, repeat offenders and new drivers.
• Education and enforcement are both key to Alberta's approach.
• This made-in-Alberta approach focuses on changing behaviours through mandatory courses and ignition interlock use.
• Alberta does not believe that fines are the solution. These changes do not include fines or demerit points.
• This legislation does not prevent responsible Albertans from having a drink with dinner or friends.
• Our focus is safer roads.

Penalties

Starting 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.
Starting September 1, 2012 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.
Starting July 1, 2012 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