News release

Legislation Strengthens Supervising Driver Rules

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Government introduced today, Nov. 25, legislation to further strengthen the Graduated Driver's Licensing program.

Through amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act, those supervising a driver in the learner and newly licensed phases of the program will now be required to maintain a blood alcohol content below 0.05.

If a supervising driver is found to have a blood alcohol content higher than 0.05, they will immediately lose their licence for at least seven days, and be required to pay a reinstatement fee.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Geoff MacLellan said the role of the supervising driver is to help a new driver stay safe on the road while they learn.

"They need to have the capacity to take control of the vehicle at any time and you simply cannot do this while impaired," said Mr. MacLellan. "We will continue to review and update the Graduated Driver's Licensing program to help new drivers safely gain experience behind the wheel."

This is in-line with changes to the program that took effect April 1, that created a new phase which restricts the ability to act as a supervising driver and requires a person to maintain a blood alcohol content of zero for two years following the newly licensed phase.

"Impaired driving sadly remains one of the leading causes of collisions and fatalities on the road," said Mr. MacLellan. "The message is simple, alcohol and driving don't mix. We need to ingrain this into all drivers from the moment they first get behind the wheel."

Other amendments introduced today address issues that were identified through the day-to-day administration of the act.

These amendments will add clarity, correct oversight, provide consistency, and improve the efficient delivery of Registry of Motor Vehicle programs.

An example of these amendments is making fines for offences related to pedestrian and vehicle collisions consistent across a variety of situations. Specifically, amendments will make failing to yield to a pedestrian, pedestrian failing to yield to a vehicle or obey signal, and failing to obey a crossing guard, the same category of fines as other pedestrian-related offences. They all now carry fines of at least $697.50.

Other amendments cover areas such as insurance, administration, penalties, and other aspects of the Graduated Driver's Licensing program.