Road Safety Amendment to Motor Vehicle Act

The province introduced amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act to support road safety programs and initiatives today, May 1.

"These amendments focus on our efforts to improve programs and legislation that address impaired driving and other behaviours that put Nova Scotians at risk of death or injuries on our roads," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

The amendments will strengthen legislation for the ignition interlock program, which requires drivers to blow into a breath-testing device before their car will start. The changes will help ensure program participants will continue to have licences suspended if they are dismissed from the interlock program. The program will be implemented this fall.

"The ignition interlock program is another weapon in our fight against drinking and driving," said Mr. Scott. "We're developing a made-in-Nova Scotia program that reinforces the need for both enforcement and treatment to achieve long-term changes in behaviour."

Vehicle impoundment legislation is also being clarified and streamlined. Impounding vehicles is essential for law enforcement officers and other road safety partners.

Fines are also going up for people who drive with a suspended licence. The new fines, including court costs, will range from $1,257 for the first offence, up to $5,857 for the third and subsequent offences.

"A suspended licence is a serious penalty and is put in place when someone's driving behaviour puts others at risk," said Mr. Scott. "We want to send a strong message that there are serious consequences if you get behind the wheel with a suspended licence."

A final amendment will allow the registration of motorcycles with two wheels on the front steering axle, provided they meet Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set by Transport Canada. Nova Scotia is taking steps to allow the use of this type motorcycle, as it has been approved for open-road use by Transport Canada and other Canadian provinces.