Those who drink and drive would face stiffer consequences for their actions under proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act which would expand the ignition interlock program to all first-time impaired driving offenders. This announcement was made by Justice Minister Andrew Swan.
“In some way, we’ve all been negatively touched by the impacts of drinking and driving – a senseless act that’s 100 per cent preventable,” said Swan. “By taking the steps we’re taking, we’re sending a strong message that drinking and driving is not acceptable.”
“MADD Canada is pleased to see the Province of Manitoba move forward with mandatory alcohol interlock technology for all convicted impaired drivers,” said MADD Canada chief executive officer Andrew Murie. “Alcohol interlocks are an effective rehabilitation tool in the fight against impaired driving.”
Currently, ignition interlock use is already mandatory for convicted impaired drivers granted a conditional driver’s licence during their suspension period. Repeat offenders and offenders convicted of impaired driving causing bodily harm or death, or of impaired driving with a child passenger also must use an ignition interlock for a period of time after their driver’s licence suspension is over.
Under the proposed legislation, all first-time impaired driving offenders would have to use an ignition interlock device at the end of their licence suspension period just like first offenders convicted of impaired driving causing bodily harm or death, or of impaired driving with a child passenger.
Ignition interlock devices are breathalyser-like instruments that keep a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. They also require random breath tests while driving. If the driver fails a random test, the incident is logged and the driver is prompted to provide another breath sample. A further failed test results in an alarm being activated that can only be stopped by shutting off the vehicle.
Ignition interlock systems are paid for by their users and monitored by an interlock service company. The costs include a $50 application fee, $150 installation fee, monthly monitoring fee of $105 and a $50 de-installation fee. Service providers can also charge other fees for stand-by features, optional insurance and other services.
Under existing legislation, a driver in the program who tampers with the device or gets behind the wheel of a vehicle without an interlock system can be charged. A person could also be charged with a summary conviction offence for lending a non-interlock vehicle to an interlock driver.
The bill would also include tougher consequences for those who are required to use an ignition interlock, but are caught driving without one. Currently, these offenders would be charged with driving without a licence and face a fine of up to $2,000 if convicted. Under the proposed legislation these offenders would be able to be charged with driving while disqualified, which leads to stricter sanctions including a fine of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail or both a fine and jail sentence.
