Drunk drivers will have to blow-start their cars

Ken Johnston
Editor

December 23, 2001 a new law came into effect that will see all people convicted of drunk driving have to use an ignition breathalyzer device for one year after they get their license back.

The Ignition Interlock forces the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle can be started. If the sample they provide has more that .02% Blood Alcohol Content the car will not start. After the car is up and running the device will periodically require more breath samples. If they are not provided alarms and lights on the car will go off.

The driver will have a specially marked license that states they can only operate a vehicle equipped with the Ignition Interlock device for a period of at least one year after they get their license back. Those convicted for a second time will have to used the interlock for a minimum of three years.

The Ministry of Transportation says the cost of the device is about $1,300 per year to lease. That may not include installation, maintenance and removal of the device. These costs will be born by the driver if he or she plans to drive immediately following their license reinstatement. MoT said that to skirt the device drivers can choose not to drive for the period they are required to used the Ignition Interlock.

It is used in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec where they have voluntary programs that convicted drivers can enroll in to reduce the length of their license suspension.

The Ministry of Transportation feels that Ignition Interlocks will help prevent drinking and driving and make Ontario roads safer. In 1999 about 20% of the approximately 17,000 drinking and driving convictions were repeat offenders.

As of yet there has been no announcements as to where the devices will be installed in the various regions across the province. The MoT is presently developing standards for the devices and will contract out installation services this year. It is expected the first devices will be installed in January of 2003.

Out of province offenders will not have to use an Interlock device. However if convicted in Ontario the province will send their conviction information to their home jurisdiction.

If caught tampering with the device or driving a vehicle not equipped with one when required to do so, the offender could face fines from $1,000 tobreak$20,000.