New law targets young and novice drivers

It's the beginning of the semester at the affectionately nicknamed “Funshawe,” and everybody knows that means it's party time. Amidst all the excitement for upcoming shindigs and pub nights come sobering new regulations and consequences for young and novice drivers.

As of August 1, Ontario is amping up its zero-tolerance stance on blood alcohol concentration for novice drivers still in the graduated licensing system and young drivers aged 21 and under.

The new legislation saw increased consequences for novice drivers, with G1 or G2 class licences, that had ingested any alcohol prior to driving. Novice drivers caught with any alcohol in their blood will receive an immediate 24-hour roadside driver licence suspension. A driver who is convicted will face a fine of $60 to $500 and will receive a suspension period as per the Novice Driver Escalating Sanction scheme. They may also have to return to the start of the graduated licensing system.

All young drivers now have the zero BAC restriction placed on their licences. A young driver caught with any amount of alcohol in his or her blood faces an immediate 24-hour roadside licence suspension and, if convicted, will face a fine of $60 to $500 and a 30-day suspension.

Novice and young drivers may also be issued a ticket for driving under the influence of alcohol. This can be settled out of court by paying $110, which covers the fine, a victim fine and court costs. Drivers who receive a summons or who contest their ticket by going to court may face a fine of up to $500 upon conviction.

“The logic behind this is that the Ontario government wants new drivers and, specifically, new young drivers to get as many years as possible under their belts of sober, non-alcohol related driving,” explained London Police Traffic Sgt. Tom O'Brien.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's website, the laws are targeting drivers that research shows are most at risk of impaired driving collisions. Young 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 comparison to other drivers.

“If you're counting on not being stopped by the police - don't,” said Sgt. O'Brien simply. London Police will be increasing their RIDE program and giving lectures to university and college students to raise awareness and prevent drinking and driving.

If you drink, please don't drive — no matter your age and driving skill level.