Keeping Young Drivers Safe
July 31, 2010 9:00 AM
McGuinty Government Reminds Drivers of New Rules
Ontario’s new zero blood alcohol level for drivers 21 years of age and under comes into effect tomorrow.
On August 1st, novice drivers of any age and all drivers 21 and under must have zero blood alcohol level when driving:
- An immediate 24-hour licence suspension
- A further 30-day licence suspension on conviction
- Up to $500 in fines
Novice drivers in the Graduated Licensing System are already required to maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving. These drivers will face tougher penalties if they violate the conditions of their licence or if they are convicted of any Highway Traffic Act offences that carry four or more demerit points. Penalties include:
- 30-day licence suspension for the first instance
- 90-day licence suspension for the second instance
- Further instances can lead to a cancellation of the licence and other penalties.
These changes are part of the Road Safety Act 2009 and will keep drivers safe on Ontario roads.
QUICK FACTS
- The peak ages of drinking and driving collisions are 19, 20 and 21.
- Drivers aged 19 to 21 are almost one-and-a-half times as likely to be involved in drinking and driving fatal and injury crashes.
- In Ontario, 235 drivers age 21 and under were killed in drinking and driving collisions in the latest 10-year period for which statistics are available.
