Beginning August 1, drivers 21 and younger are required to have a zero alcohol level when they get behind the steering wheel. Failure to do so can result in an immediate 24-hour license suspension, a 30-day license suspension or up to $500 in fines.

Graduated Licensing System drivers will face tougher penalties if they violate the conditions of their license or are convicted of highway traffic act offences that carry four or more demerit points.

Penalties include a 30-day license suspension for first time offenders and a 90-day suspension for a second-time offender. Repeat offenders face license cancellation and other penalties.

“We put the Road Safety Act in place to protect young drivers and everyone who shares the road with them,” said Ontario’s Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne, at a press conference held at Toronto Police headquarters.

“Our novice drivers deserve our help to prepare them for a lifetime of safe driving.”

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) Canada chief executive officer Andrew Murie is confident the new rules will save lives.

“There are no games being played here,” he said.

“It’s data driven, it’s the right policy…It will save more lives than we could do with any other piece of legislation at a provincial level.”

Effective August 3, eligible drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence for the first time can reduce their licence suspension if they agree to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle at their own cost.

“Ignition interlock devices will make Ontario’s roads safer by encouraging drivers who have offended to adopt more responsible behaviour and by reducing the number of impaired drivers on the road,” added Attorney General Chris Bentley.

By Ron Fanfair