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Ontario gets stricter on drug-impaired drivers

October 4th, 2016  |  Auto

Legalization of marijuana is coming and in anticipation police and other interested parties are trying to figure out how it will affect day-to-day life for Canadians. Amidst health and safety concerns the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario is implementing tougher punishments for driving while high.

Policing drug-impaired driving presents a bit of a hurdle to law enforcement, who currently have no way of identifying what substance someone might be on or how much constitutes a safe limit, unlike alcohol and the Breathalyzer. While police agencies are testing various devices, the new law, which went into effect on Oct. 2 makes no mention of specific drugs or amounts. Instead there are simple tests and punishments.

According to CBC, the first test is road-side and consists of the standard “walk in a straight line” and eye exams. Should someone fail those their licence will be suspended for three days and they will be charged $180 to reinstate it. Offenders who repeatedly fail the test will lose their licence for longer with the second and third offences resulting in seven and 30 day suspensions respectively.

Following the roadside test the driver will be taken to the police station and tested more thoroughly by a specialist. This will include body temperature, blood pressure, and more, but nothing invasive it appears. Failing this second test will net you a 90-day suspension and your car will be impounded.