New penalties for impaired drivers in Ontario now in effect

Ontario has implemented tougher penalties for impaired driving, effective January 1, including a lifetime licence suspension for impaired driving causing death and increased roadside licence suspensions for first-time offenders, from three to seven days. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada supports these reforms, emphasizing the need for education on alcohol’s effects. The changes also include mandatory education for first-time offenders and a proposal for Immediate Roadside Prohibition. Recent police data revealed over 1,200 impaired driving charges in December, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety.