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B.C. judge dismisses drunk-driving law challenge, saying it protects public
Original Publication Date: September 9, 2014 8:24AM
Publication Updated: January 8, 2025 10:10PM
KAMLOOPS – A B.C. Supreme Court judge has dismissed a constitutional challenge of the province's amended drunk-driving laws, saying they're designed to protect the public, not the rights of individual drivers.
Justice Malcolm Macaulay says in his ruling that the 2012 changes to a law are more reasonable because they require an officer to inform the driver of the right to a second breathalyzer test and expands the grounds for review by the superintendent of motor vehicles.
However, Brian Bro, one of five people who challenged B.C.'s amended laws, says the changes are merely superficial and violate drivers' rights.
Macaulay says the law does not infringe anyone's rights, though he acknowledges drivers face significant penalties with immediate roadside prohibitions but not the greater stigma of a criminal conviction and sanctions.
People who fail a roadside screening test or refuse to take a test face driving prohibitions for up to 90 days, fines of up to $500, costs of vehicle impoundment and storage, must take a remedial driving program and have to install an ignition interlock program.
Macaulay says there's evidence to conclude that the 2012 amendments contribute significantly to a reduction in alcohol-related accidents and deaths in B.C.
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6 responses
its a money grab, if you committed no harm then you have not broken any lawhttps://www.facebook.com/travelordrive
its a money grab, if you committed no harm then you have not broken any lawhttps://www.facebook.com/travelordrive
its a money grab, if you committed no harm then you have not broken any law.https://www.facebook.com/travelordrive
What a bunch of hypocrites! Alcohol is man made is the most devastating LEGAL substance out there, yet they promote the hell out of it, makes millions, then wonder why drinking & driving is a problem? Meanwhile back in Marijuana ville, natural grown plant, mellos everyone out, but lets make that illegal because we are idiots! Cash cow pigs is all they are, they don’t give a fiddlers f**k about safety or lives, because if they did alcohol would be illegal! Who the hell can make proper decisions when they’re drunk! Oh & don’t even say to think about that before you drink, NO ONE really does!
describe drinking driving; one drink does not make a drinking driver…there was nothing wrong with the.09 limit.may as well make alcohol illegal…how many families are torn apart, how many people get into fights, or are killed doing stupid things while drunk…obviously drinking should be made illegal.
Yeah! I’m all for that!Drinking drivers beware. Take a taxi, find a sober friend, take public transit, or walk.