Drunk driving: alcohol ignition interlock device for life after two convictions?
Drunk driving: alcohol ignition interlock device for life after two convictions?
Quebec has tightened its rules regarding impaired driving. Since November 25, 2019, a driver guilty of a second offense of impaired driving will be subject to an ignition interlock device for life. The second conviction must occur within a period of 10 years from the first offense. The amendment, which results from changes made to the Highway Safety Code in 2018, comes in time for the holiday season and the annual awareness campaign against impaired driving of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) . Previously, the imposition of an alcohol ignition interlock device was done after the third offense, or from the first offense in the event of aggravating factors, such as a very high blood alcohol level or refusal to comply with the police. If the ignition interlock will now be imposed for life after a repeat offense, it will be possible for a driver to contact the Court of Quebec after 10 years to have the obligation lifted, unless they are a repeat offender.
Sanctions:
For these two situations, the road safety code provides for immediate measures which are: an immediate suspension of the driving license for a period of 90 days, 30 days of seizure of the vehicle and a risk assessment.
In the event that a person is found guilty of this offense, the criminal code provides for a minimum penalty of $2,000.00 fine, a criminal record and a 1-year driving ban for a first offense. Added to this are the sanctions provided for in the Highway Safety Code which include: a revocation of the driving license for 3 years (concurrent with the 1 year ban provided for in the criminal code) with the possibility of driving a vehicle equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device, then an evaluation of the maintenance of acquired skills or a complete evaluation.
Following the 3-year revocation period and successful completion of the assessment, there is a 2-year period during which the use of an alcohol ignition interlock device is mandatory. There will therefore be a total period of 5 years during which the use of an alcohol ignition interlock device will be compulsory.
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