Ignition interlock use will now be a requirement for all convicted impaired drivers who wish to drive legally following their license suspension. This announcement was made by Justice Minister Andrew Swan.
The new rules come into effect on Dec. 15 and will now include drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence for the first time.
“Manitoba is once again setting the pace in the battle against drinking and driving,” said Swan. “Expansion of the mandatory ignition interlock program sends an even stronger message that impaired driving is not acceptable in Manitoba and will not be tolerated.”
The new law expands Manitoba’s mandatory ignition interlock program, which currently applies to drivers who are granted conditional licensing during an active alcohol-related suspension, repeat convicted offenders or first offences with aggravating factors (bodily injury/death or impaired driving with a child passenger).
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada fully supports Manitoba’s tough stand against drinking drivers, said Andrew Murie, chief executive officer, MADD Canada.
“Alcohol interlocks are effective in reducing impaired driving deaths and injuries,” Murie said. “They also play a key role in reducing recidivism rates for impaired drivers. MADD Canada is very pleased that the Province of Manitoba is moving forward with a mandatory alcohol interlock program as part of its strategy to crack down on impaired driving.”
The mandatory ignition interlock term lengths are:
• one year for the first conviction,
• one year for the second conviction,
• three years for the third conviction, and
• lifetime for the fourth and subsequent convictions.
“Manitoba is committed to ending impaired driving in our province,” said Swan. “This serves notice that drinking and driving will not be tolerated on Manitoba’s roads and highways.”
