Roadside suspensions

Drinking & driving penalties toughen

On-the-spot roadside license suspensions have increased for drinking and driving in Nova Scotia. Recent changes to Nova Scotia's Motor Vehicle Act lengthen suspensions for drivers who get a 'warn' on a roadside screening test, or whose breath test shows a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08 (50 to 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood).

Previously drivers might get a 24-hour roadside suspension for having a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08. Now, roadside license suspensions are :

• 7 days for a first suspension within 10 years;
• 15 days for a second suspension within 10 years;
• 30 days for a third or subsequent suspension within 10 years.

The police may also impound the driver's vehicle, and any towing and storage fees would have to be paid by the person who picks up the vehicle from the impound facility. Drivers who receive a roadside suspension also have to pay a license reinstatement fee.

The above penalties under Nova Scotia's Motor Vehicle Act are in addition to any criminal or other charges that may result from the same incident. For more information, visit Nova Scotia's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website. 

October 2010