Essential Facts Concerning Impaired Driving Penalties In Canada

Essential Facts Concerning Impaired Driving Penalties In Canada

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Impaired driving penalties in Canada should never need to be used, given the widespread public knowledge about the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The law imposes harsh fines, suspension of privileges, and even imprisonment for those who fail to exercise sound judgment in this area. Unfortunately, many people still choose to engage in this behavior. For those who do, it is useful to understand exactly why the laws exist and the danger that this conduct represents.

Why the laws exist

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that people just cannot drive safely while they are in a state of drunkenness. Blurred vision, poor reaction times, and a general inability to control basic motor functions make these people a danger to everyone when they get behind the wheel of a car. Drug use is no better in this regard, as it can produce the same type of disorientation that alcohol causes. Drivers who are under the influence of either might as well be launching a missile at others on the road.

Most people never realize, however, that just one drink can impair a driver's ability to safely operate his vehicle. It can affect the concentration and slow the body and mind's ability to react. Even worse, once that first drink is imbibed, many people fail to feel the full effects until they are well past the state of ordinary drunkenness. At that point, it is too late.

Those dangers are not limited to alcohol and illegal drugs either. Many doctor-prescribed medications and over the counter substances can cause similar impairment and prevent drivers from operating their cars and trucks in a safe manner. Even pills that are advertised as causing mild drowsiness can have a major impact on any driver's fitness to be behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Legal sanctions

When drivers choose to drive in an impaired state, the law has ways of dealing with them. Breath tests are administered to anyone who is pulled over, and licenses get suspended if the concentration of alcohol in the blood is greater than . 08%.

Beyond that, these drivers can have their cars sent to impound for up to seven days at the officer's discretion. There is no appeal in those instances. Many times, an ignition interlock restriction will be placed on the driver's license, and he will also be fined, ordered to undergo classes for alcohol abuse, and possible entered into a treatment program.

Novice drivers and those under the age of twenty-one have even less latitude. Novices who are fond with any alcohol in their system face the threat of having their novice license completely revoked. For those below the age of twenty-one, blood alcohol must be below . 05% to avoid legal impairment.

Making sound decisions

The fact is that it just doesn't make sense to drive while under the influence of any substance. People are always better served by turning over their keys to friends and families. Given the fact that convictions stay on the offender's record for a full ten years, they are a serious matter. The best way to avoid impaired driving penalties in Canada is to never drink and drive in the first place.

About the Author:
The impaired driving in Ottawa can leave serious consequences on your legal records. Find the right criminal lawyer to protect yourself from these traffic tickets Hamilton. X-Copper Legal Services Professional Corporation 939 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto, ON M4G 4E8 (416) 696-6677



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