B.C.’s new impaired driving laws: What’s changed?

In April 2010, the Provincial Government introduced amendments to the impaired driving sections of the Motor Vehicle Act to give B.C. the toughest impaired driving legislation in the country. These new measures are focused on deterring everyone – from those caught with a blood alcohol level in the ‘warn’ range, to habitual impaired drivers – and the more serious the offence, the more serious the consequences.

What’s changed?

• Penalties for all impaired drivers will increase. View current and new penalties comparison chart.
• Enforcement will start at the “warn” range (blood-alcohol content of 0.05). Learn more.
• Police officers will no longer need to take impaired drivers to the station for an additional breath analysis in order to impose a driving ban longer than 24 hours.

For more information and to view the complete list of impaired driving sanctions see Provincial Government announcement.

BCAA’s position

BCAA supports the new impaired driving legislation, and the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation is doing its part to rid our roads of impaired drivers. Working with the family of 4-year-old Alexa Middelaer who was killed at the roadside by a suspected impaired driver, the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation has established the Alexa Middelaer Memorial Fund. Over the past year, 174 police officers, also known as “Alexa’s Team,” were honoured in four events across B.C. for their diligence in removing impaired drivers from the roads of our communities. Under the new law, police officers will be better equipped with the tools they need to apprehend and reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road.

Here are some tips on what you can do to protect yourself and your family and friends from the risks caused by impaired drivers:

• Set a good example for friends and family members by never drinking and driving.
• If you spot a driver you suspect may be impaired, take down their license plate, pull over and use your mobile phone to report them to the police.
• If you are hosting a dinner or party at which alcohol is being served, do not over serve guests, ensure they have a designated driver, or arrange alternate transportation to get them home safely. Limit your own alcohol intake so you can judge the sobriety of your guests.

We want to hear from you! What’s your take on the new impaired driving laws? Email us with your thoughts.