(Impaired driving image via Shutterstock)
WINNIPEG — Tougher penalties for those who choose to drink and drive in Manitoba take effect on Monday.
Immediate roadside license suspensions and vehicle impoundment will be part of the stiffer consequences for those who register a “warn” level (blood alcohol content of .05 to .079).
A first offence will also net you a $400 fine, while the penalties increase to $500 and $600 for a second or third violation.
Vehicle impoundment timeframes also increase, from three days for a first violation, seven days for a second, or 30 days for a third or subsequent violation.
For first-time impaired drivers who register a “fail” (blood alcohol content at or over 0.08) and cause no bodily injury or death, police will have the discretion to impose a $700 fine as well as a mandatory ignition interlock of one year rather than proceeding with a criminal charge.
