Service NL
September 21, 2017

New Impaired Driving Legislation Comes Into Force

Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act and Regulations designed to deter impaired driving and help drivers develop safe and sober driving habits come into force today.

As of 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 zero blood alcohol content 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; and
  • 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 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
“Today, we take one more step in our efforts to change the conversation around impaired driving in our province. This new legislation builds upon our commitment to making our roads, highways and communities safer for everyone. Our objective is to encourage everyone to develop safe and sober driving habits.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

"The changes being implemented, particularly the vehicle impoundment provision and the zero blood alcohol content requirement for young drivers, will have a significant impact on reducing impaired driving, saving lives and preventing injuries. MADD Canada welcomes these new laws and thanks the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its leadership and commitment to making the province’s roads safer.”
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.releases.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

Patricia Hynes-Coates
National President, MADD Canada
647-919-6233

2017 09 21                             3:10 p.m.