On the road again?LEGAL NEWSNova Scotia now has an Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program. The program started on September 30 2008, and aims at reducing drinking and driving. To get back on the road repeat and high-risk impaired drivers must have an interlock ignition device installed in their vehicle, and must complete alcohol rehabilitation counselling and education. The program is optional for low and medium risk first-time impaired drivers, but mandatory for repeat and high risk impaired drivers, and for those convicted of impaired driving causing bodily harm or death. Program participants must have an interlock device fitted to their vehicle’s ignition. The driver blows into the device, which measures blood alcohol levels. The vehicle won’t start if the driver’s blood-alcohol reading is above .02 mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The driver must also periodically provide breath samples while the vehicle is running. Information recorded on the interlock device must be downloaded every 60 days, and is used in deciding whether the person should stay in the program. The alcohol rehabilitation component of the program is operated by Addiction Services. It involves an alcohol or drug use evaluation, completion of the Driving While Impaired education program, a risk assessment, and counselling sessions. Participants will pay about $1700 to $2000 for their first year in the program, in addition to about $400 for Addiction Services . This does not include other costs associated with alcohol-related convictions, such as legal fees, court fines, and increased insurance premiums. For more information about the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program go to http://www.interlock.gov.ns.ca/, or call 1 800 898-7668 or (902) 424-5851. Click here to read the program regulations, made under Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act.
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