The toughest drunk driving laws in Canada will take effect in B.C. on Monday.
The new measures were announced by Solicitor General Mike de Jong in April. "Under the new laws, drinking drivers will spend more money, more time, more effort earning back their driving privileges," de Jong said.
They also give police the power to punish drunk drivers instantly and severely.
Drivers caught with a blood alcohol reading above .08 will be subject to an immediate 90-day driving ban and a $500 administrative penalty.
Additional towing fees, mandatory driver education and the required purchase of an ignition locking device follow. The province estimates the entire cost at an estimated $3,750.
Those caught with a blood alcohol level in the warning range between .05 and .08 face a three-day driving ban and a $200 fine. Additional fees add up to about $600, and penalties, including the length of driving bans, increase for second and third warnings.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been fighting for stronger impaired driving penalties for years, and hopes the strict new laws will make some potential offenders reconsider.
"Simply put, you can't get behind the wheel," drunk driving victim John Banovich said. "Have a drink, fine. Don't get behind the wheel."
For a full list of the regulations, click here.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jon Woodward
