Drunk Driving Law

VICTORIA — They’re eating and they’re drinking at the Bard & Banker pub just like any other Friday. But many people here are wondering how many is too many. BC’s new drinking driving laws – the toughest in the country – are nothing if not intimidating. If you’re caught with a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08, you face a three day driving ban and a $200 fine. If you’re caught with a blood alcohol level above .08, it’s a 90-day ban and a $500 fine. You’ll pay an estimated $700 tow charge, $250 to get your license back, $880 for a responsible driving program, and be forced to buy a $1420 ignition interlock device. Total cost: $3750. People we spoke to Friday say they won’t risk paying that price. “I think you have a couple friends over, play by the rules, and save some cash in the longrun” says one man. “I think if they normally do 2-3 drinks, then go home, that’s going to be down to one drink and a glass of water” adds another. Or, you can drink like you normally do and take a cab home instead of driving. If the first few days of the new legislation is any indication that is the decision being made by many. “Last night, we were 20% busier than normal, which is a big factor, we’re putting extra staff on for the weekend hoping to cope” says Jean Grimshaw, General Manager of Victoria Taxi. Most people we spoke to Friday were in favour of the province getting tougher on impaired drivers and giving a police officer with a breathalyzer the power to impound your vehicle …

Winning Defenses in Drunk Driving (Law Practice Portfolio)