On average, 22 Nova Scotians die each year in alcohol related collisions. We know even a low blood alcohol content can pose a significant risk. This is another initiative to fight impaired driving in our province, along with the alcohol ignition interlock program and Campaign 911.
Yes, most other Canadian jurisdictions have .05 administration sanctions. Saskatchewan has .04.
Licence suspensions will increase to seven days for a first suspension, 15 days for a second and 30 days for a third. People will also be required to pay a licence reinstatement fee of $91.42 each time a suspension occurs.
Nova Scotia currently has a 24-hour roadside suspension for driving with a blood alcohol content of .05 to .08.
AC (blood alcohol concentration) is measured by indicating the number of milligrams of alcohol in/per 100 millilitres of blood. In Canada, the legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (or 80mg%...or simply "80"). In Nova Scotia, suspensions are issued between 50 & 80.
The amount of alcohol it takes to become impaired varies widely from individual to individual. The only safe way is not to drink if you are going to drive.
We believe that implementing stronger penalties for those with a blood alcohol between .05 - .08 is a step in the right direction towards fighting impaired driving. For new drivers we already have zero tolerance as part of the Graduated Drivers License.
Every drink impairs you. If you are under .05 but have consumed alcohol, you could still be charged with impairment. You can't calculate your alcohol limit, so don't try. It's important to remember that other factors play a part in impairment such as prescription and non-prescription drugs, fatigue, and metabolism.
No matter what you blow, if alcohol is determined to be a contributing factor in a collision, you could be charged. Any amount of alcohol impairs your ability to drive.
You may still be affected by alcohol the next day. You could still lose your license if you are over the legal limit. Neither a shower or a cup of coffee will help you sober up, only time.