New penalties were announced this week in Ontario for drug-related driving offences. The goal of the proposed changes is to balance the use of recreational cannabis with making sure Ontario roads stay safe in advance of the July 2018 date of legalization.

Who Do The New Penalties Affect?

According to The Globe and Mail, the new penalties include new and increased fines and suspensions. The changes specifically target young drivers (21 and younger, or holding a G1, G2, M1, M2 licence), commercial drivers. They would apply to those drivers who refuse a roadside drug evaluation or had a detectable amount of drugs or alcohol in their system.

What Are The Proposed Changes?

The proposed changes to Ontario legislation are as follows: Currently young drivers face a 24-hour suspension and no financial penalties for drug impaired driving. Proposed changes include 3-30-day suspensions $250-$450 in fines. Currently there are no laws aimed directly at commercial drivers. Proposed changes include a 3-day suspension and $250-$450 in fines.

Under current laws, detection or failing a roadside drug test includes a $198 fine. Proposed changes increase the fine to $250-$450.Refusing a roadside test currently carries a $198 fine. New legislation proposes an increase to $550.

A maximum limit of detectable cannabis is still to be determined for all other drivers, and the applicable consequences. Also pending is a federally approved fluid-testing device to be used in roadside tests. These new Ontario laws will be in addition to applicable criminal federal impaired driving laws.

Car accident injuries can be lethal, difficult to litigate and can incur large medical bills. In order to make pursue adequate compensation for your injuries, it’s best to speak with a legal professional to make sure your rights are protected.

Originally posted on: September 27, 2017