Manitoba proposes stronger licensing penalties for impaired drivers

Article content

Manitoba has introduced new legislation aimed at increasing licensing penalties for drivers convicted of impaired driving or refusal offences that result in bodily harm or death. The proposed amendments would strengthen consequences for repeat offenders, with a focus on improving road safety.

Article content

Article content

Article content

“Impaired driving poses a serious threat to public safety, as 10% of fatal collisions in Manitoba in 2023 included impaired driving as a contributing factor,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “Our government is committed to taking concrete action to protect our communities and improve road safety by introducing changes which reinforce that there are real and serious consequences for choosing to drink and drive.”

Under the proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act, a driver convicted of impaired driving or refusal offences that cause bodily harm or death would face an automatic lifetime driver’s licence suspension after a second conviction, up from the current 10-year suspension for a second offence. A first-time conviction still results in a five-year automatic suspension.

Article content

Article content

Tanya Hansen Pratt, national president of MADD Canada, praised the move.

“MADD Canada congratulates the Manitoba government for the steps being taken to prevent impaired driving,” she said. “It is important that those who cause the most harm are held accountable and given sanctions to prevent them from driving impaired again.”

The proposed amendments would also impose a zero-tolerance alcohol rule for offenders. A first conviction would result in a seven-year ban on driving with any alcohol in their system, and a second conviction within 10 years would trigger a lifetime ban. Drivers who breach their alcohol prohibition would face escalating sanctions, including roadside suspension, vehicle impoundment, and potential ignition interlock requirements.

Article content

Insp. Michael Gagliardi, chair of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police traffic safety committee, expressed hope that the amendments would deter impaired driving. “We are hopeful that these new amendments will be a useful deterrent for those that choose to get behind the wheel impaired,” he said. “Each year, we pull over thousands of vehicles, and unfortunately, we do see repeat offenders. Increasing the driver’s licence prohibition is sending a very strong message to all Manitobans.”

The proposed legislation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and reduce impaired driving incidents in the province.

Article content