Updated penalties for impaired driving now in effect across Ontario

Harsher penalties for driving under the influence are now in effect under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.

The changes were implemented on January 1.

In the most significant of the changes, a conviction for impaired driving causing death now automatically brings an indefinite suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, with no possibility to apply for reinstatement for a minimum of 25 years.

Short-term penalties for drug and alcohol impairment have been increased: a first-time offender will now see their license suspended for seven days, where previously the punishment was three days, and a second-time offender’s license suspension is increased to two weeks, where previously it was one week.

Repeat offenders would previously see an impairment offence marked on their record for five years; now the look-back period has been doubled to ten years.

Drivers who see their license suspended due to alcohol and drug offences will now need to participate in an education program with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Those receiving subsequent suspensions will have to participate in treatment programs before getting behind the wheel again.