Tougher penalties for impaired driving have taken effect under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
The updates began on January 1.
The most significant change is that a conviction for impaired driving resulting in death now leads to an indefinite suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, with no option for reinstatement for at least 25 years.
Short-term penalties for drug and alcohol impairment have also been increased: a first-time offender will face a seven-day license suspension, up from three days, while a second-time offender’s suspension has been raised to two weeks from one week.
For repeat offenders, the period during which an impairment offense remains on their record has doubled from five years to ten years.
Drivers whose licenses are suspended due to alcohol or drug offenses must now complete an education program with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
If they receive additional suspensions, they will need to undergo treatment programs before being allowed to drive again.
Sam Goldstein is a 2025 graduate of the Seneca Polytechnic journalism program. Sam’s great passions are for history, politics, and food. Born and raised in Toronto, he works as a multimedia journalist in Thunder Bay. You can reach him at goldsteins@radioabl. ca.
View all posts
Source link
Source link
