Service NL
August 28, 2017

New Impaired Driving Regulations Published

Regulations to accompany amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, which together will help reduce impaired driving in Newfoundland and Labrador, have now been published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

When this legislation is proclaimed on September 21, 2017:

  • A driver whose licence is suspended after an impaired driving conviction will be required to enter a mandatory ignition interlock program as a condition of reinstatement.
  • Drivers less than 22 years of age will be required to maintain a blood alcohol content of zero per cent while driving.
  • Any driver found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater will have their vehicle impounded for a minimum of 30 days.
  • Drivers who are 22 years of age or older who are found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.05 or greater but less than 0.08, will have their vehicle impounded for seven days.
  • Novice drivers and drivers under 22 years of age will have their vehicle impounded for seven days if they are found to have a blood alcohol content greater than zero but less than 0.08.

Bill 68, An Act to Amend the Highway Traffic Act, No. 5, received unanimous approval when it was debated in the House of Assembly in March 2017. The amendments aim to help drivers establish safe and sober driving habits by separating alcohol use from driving and deter repeat impaired driving offences.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador worked in close consultation with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, and with the support of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to develop this legislation.

Quotes
“Our government committed to developing strong regulations to accompany Bill 68 to address impaired driving. These regulations will help reduce impaired driving and make our roads, highways and communities safer for everyone.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“MADD welcomes these important changes to the province’s impaired driving laws. They send a powerful message that impaired driving will not be tolerated, and they will have a significant benefit in terms of preventing crashes and saving lives. We thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its leadership and its commitment to help reducing impaired driving.”
Patricia Hynes-Coates
MADD Canada National President

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Learn more
To read the regulations, visit: www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/printer/gazette/weekly_issues/2017/NLG170825.pdf

Highway Traffic Act Changes Aim to Reduce Impaired Driving: www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/0302n02.aspx 

Bill 68, An Act to Amend the Highway Traffic Act: www.assembly.nl.ca/business/bills/bill1668.htm External Link

MADD Canada: www.madd.ca External Link

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL External Link and @ServiceNL_ External Link

Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Service NL
729-4748, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca

Andrew Murie
CEO, MADD Canada
1-800-665-6233, ext. 224
amurie@madd.ca

2017 08 28                              10:25 a.m.