Prince George, BC – BC’s drinking and driving penalties are back in full force as of today, after undergoing some changes to fall in line with a court ruling that found the original process did not provide a driver with a meaningful way to challenge a ‘fail’ result from a roadside breath test.

In announcing the return of Canada’s toughest provincial penalties for impaired driving, the BC Ministry of Justice says the ammendments enhance the fairness of both the roadside and appeal process.  Regardless of whether a driver provides either a ‘warn’ or ‘fail’ breath sample, police must now advise drivers of their right to a second breath test on a second approved screening device – in the past, officers were not legally required to inform drivers of this right.  The lower of the two readings will prevail.  Previously, the results of the second test prevailed, whether higher or lower.

"We’ve made changes to satisfy the court ruling.  In fact, we’ve gone even further than the court directed because we want the public to believe in both the fairness and effectiveness of our approach," says Justice Minister, Shirley Bond.  "We have not undermined the deterrent value of our law, which is so critical to the life-saving gains we’ve seen."

Bond says the government’s goal of reducing impaired driving fatalities by 35-percent by the end of 2013 has already been surpassed.  The ministry’s most recent analysis shows alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths have dropped by 44-percent – an estimated 71 lives saved – since the law came into force.

"We’re very glad to see the return of these tough, but fair penalties," says, Andrew Murie, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Canada.  "They’ve been proven to be incredibly effective at deterring people from getting behind the wheel after drinking, and having them back in effect will save even more lives."