Ontario Toughens up on Drug-Impaired Driving Charges

Starting on October 2, 2016, Ontario implemented much tougher drug-impaired driving penalties under its Highway Traffic Act.  Erickson Law is here to break down the penalties for drug-impaired driving!  Read our blog below and stay up-to-date with provincial driving laws.  Need a defence lawyer for your impaired driving charge?  Contact John Erickson today at (416) 363-3612 for immediate legal representation!

Drug Related DUI Charge Changes

Drivers suspected of driving while under the influence of a drug will be subject to a $180 fine on their first charge and an immediate 3-day license suspension.  Second time offenders will be subject to the same fine and an immediate 7-day license suspension.  For a third or subsequent occurrence, you will be subject to the same fine plus an immediate 30-day licence suspension.

As well, a driver who is stopped for driving while impaired by a drug may also be charged under section 253 of the Criminal Code.  If that happens, then you will be subject to an immediate 90-day licence suspension under the Highway Traffic Act and, if convicted, subject to the same penalties as if convicted for driving while impaired by alcohol.

Driving Education & Ignition Interlock

If you are charged with two or more drug-impaired driving charges within the last 10 years, you will be required to complete a mandatory education course or a treatment program and forced to install an ignition interlock system in your vehicle.

Why The Change?

According to the Office of the Chief Coroner, 39% of drivers killed on Ontario roads in 2013 had either drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol in their system.  The concern is that if marihuana is legalized in Canada, these numbers will only continue to rise without adequate safeguards and legislation.

Charged With A DUI? Call John Erickson

Charged with a drug-impaired driving charge? You need legal representation now! Call Erickson Law for affordable legal representation that does not compromise on quality.

Get representation for your drug-related driving charge today! Call John Erickson at (416) 363-3612 today.