Police presence increases on local roads as season festivities heat up
By Nelson Daily Editor
‘Tis the season for designated drivers.
For those about to drink, think ahead. The Nelson Police and the RCMP have launched their CounterAttack Drinking and Driving campaign — an effort to avoid the mixing of alcohol, people and their automobiles.
With BC having the toughest drinking driving laws in Canada, the consequences are severe and immediate, beginning right at the roadside, said NPD Community Policing officer Howie Grant.
“If you have been drinking and are stopped roadside you may be required to give a breath sample,” said Sgt. Grant.
And if the result is a warn, and it’s your first offence, you will receive an immediate three-day driving ban, a $200 fine, a possible three-day vehicle impoundment and a $250 driver’s licence reinstatement fee — around a $600 total.
A second offence will result in a driving ban for seven days, a $300 fine and a possible vehicle impoundment. The total amount will be at least $760.
A third offence will give you a 30-day driving ban, $400 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment, enrolment in the responsible driving program, an ignition interlock installed for one year and a $250 driver’s licence reinstatement fee. This will cost at least $3,960.
If your breath sample is a fail you can expect to face a 90-day driving ban, $500 fine,
$250 reinstatement fee, 30-day vehicle impoundment, responsible drivers program, and have ignition interlock installed for one year.
“This will cost at least $4,060,” said Sgt. Grant. “Plus, you may face the possibility of criminal charges.”
If you are a driver in the Graduated Licensing Program and you have any amount of alcohol in your body you face specific consequences, he added.
“And if you blow a warn or a fail you will also face the penalties listed above,” Sgt. Grant said.
