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Manitoba to expand ignition interlocks to all first-time impaired drivers

By: Staff Writer

Monday, May. 7, 2012 at 5:53 PM | Comments: 0

A Mothers Against Drunk Driving representative blows into an ignition interlock breath analyzer in this file photo. (WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

The Manitoba government will expand the use of ignition interlock devices under proposed legislation tabled today.

Attorney General Andrew Swan said all first-time impaired drivers would have to use an ignition interlock at the end of their licence suspension — the same as first offenders convicted of impaired driving causing bodily harm or death, or of impaired driving with a child as a passenger.

Currently, the ignition interlock — a breathalyzer-like device that keeps a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking — is mandatory for convicted impaired drivers granted a conditional driver’s licence during their suspension period.

The province also says the legislation would include tougher consequences for drivers who are required to use an ignition interlock, but are caught driving without one.

Currently, offenders are charged with driving without a licence and face a fine of up to $2,000 if convicted. Under the proposed legislation offenders would be charged with driving while disqualified, an offence which leads to stricter penalties including a fine of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail or both a fine and jail sentence.

Ignition interlock systems are paid for by their users and monitored by an interlock service company. The costs include a $50 application fee, $150 installation fee, monthly monitoring fee of $105 and a $50 de-installation fee.

History

Updated on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 5:52 PM CDT:
fixes breathalyzer-like device

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