New regulations have come into effect for drinking and driving in British Columbia.
The B.C. government announced that the province will be toughening up on drinking and driving laws, so they will have the safest roads in North America by 2020.
Drivers who have driven drunk or high are now required to take part in a mandatory remedial program. The program is designed to prevent the irresponsible behaviour from happening again.
"These measures will help both deter and prevent unsafe drivers from getting back on our roads. There will no longer be financial or hardship considerations to exempt high-risk drivers from these remedial programs,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Morris.
Drivers will have to participate in the Responsible Driver Program or the Ignition Interlock Program, which is when a device is put into a vehicle to prevent people to drive while drunk.
"Let me be clear. If you are caught drinking and driving and therefore putting your life and the lives of others at risk, it will cost you. Driving while affected by alcohol or drugs is reckless and selfish behaviour for which this province has no tolerance," Morris said.
Robert O’Neill, acting superintendent of Motor Vehicles said although these are firm measures, they are fair.
"Drivers who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face serious remedial program consequences that are recognized as efficient and successful in many jurisdictions in Canada and around the world.
"It is extremely easy to avoid these consequences and every driver is able to do so by choosing to act responsibly when behind the wheel."
The new regulations apply to drivers who accumulate between 6-16 remedial program points within five years. Drivers who receive a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition, or those who accumulate points through repeat alcohol or drug related driving events must also take part in the remedial programs.
There will be no reconsideration process for mandatory referrals.
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