The punishment for driving under the influence in Quebec just got stricter for repeat offenders, starting for November 25th, 2019. From this time, second-time offenders would be obligated to have ignition breathalyzers for life, says a report on MTL Blog.The regulation was added to Quebec’s Highway Safety Code after its restructuring last year.

According to CBC News, MADD Canada has called the law the toughest in the country. MADD Canada revealed that road crashes across the country claimed over 2,000 lives in 2014 and that a growing number of fatalities involve drug-related impairment.

The Transport Ministry says that alcohol-related accidents were the reason for an average of 100 deaths annually in Quebec and thousands of injuries between 2013 and 2017.

Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel said that he hopes this new regulation sends ” a clear message to motorists and repeat offenders: driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is unacceptable.”

“Although road safety is improving in Quebec, accidents caused by drinking and driving are still causing too many deaths each year,” says Bonnardel, quoted on Le Journal De Montreal.

Experts agree that one of the most effective ways to prevent drunk driving is by installing ignition interlock systems. It’s not been made clear who will be paying for the installation of the breathalyzershowever experts are looking for a cost-effective solution.

Hubert Sacy, Executive Director Éduc’Alcool has lauded this development. “The studies on the subject tell us that this is the only measure that is really effective. Not only to protect the public from these dangers but also to protect repeat offenders from themselves, “he said.

“After an analysis of their behaviour, it reveals that these people are aware that what they do does not make sense. On the other hand, once under the influence of alcohol, it is as if they become another person, who has no more judgment, “he concluded.

Alcohol-related driving violations are one of the leading criminal causes of death in the country. The country has also experienced a sharp increase in the amount of drug-related DUI offences. Indeed, the number of drug-impaired deaths are nearly double that of alcohol-related deaths.

Subsequently, anyone caught driving under the influence will have restrictions put on their licenses and will not be allowed to drive a car without an ignition breathalyzer. Anyone caught breaking this new regulation will get fined $1500, get a three-month license suspension, and have their vehicle impounded for thirty days.

For repeat offenders, there will be a 90-day vehicle seizure, a two-year license suspension, and imprisonment. Offenders may also face a lifetime licence suspension if they have committed more than three offences, failed to cooperate with authorities, and have been found to have a blood alcohol content double the legal limit.

Two-time offenders may apply for an appeal to lift the restriction after 10 years. However, those with more than two offences would face this restriction for life. Citizens are advised to take an Uberor call a friend, rather than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. More information about this new regulationcan be found on the Transport Ministry’s official website.