B.C. introduces tough new drunk driving rules

VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberal government introduced new rules for drinking and driving Tuesday morning.

Drivers who blow above 0.08 will face a 90-day suspension and a $500 fine. As well, they will have their vehicle impounded for 30 days and may also face criminal charges.

Those who are between 0.05 and 0.08 will get a three-day ban and a $200 fine for a first offence.

Penalties in this range increase with subsequent offences.

Solicitor General Michael de Jong is calling the new rules – to come into effect in the fall – Canada’s most immediate and severe impaired driving penalties.

"Despite increased enforcement and significant efforts to promote awareness, we’ve begun to see a rise in impaired driving across British Columbia," said de Jong. "That trend is unacceptable and that’s why we’re bringing in these new laws: to get impaired drivers off the road with clear, swift and severe penalties."

In addition, drivers who blow once in the "fail" range (above 0.08), or three times within five years in the "warn" range (between 0.05 and 0.08), will be required to take part in the rehabilitative Responsible Driver Program.

They must also for one year use an ignition interlock device, which tests a driver’s breath for alcohol before the vehicle will start.