Tougher impaired driving laws for Canadians.

• Author: Mildon, Marsha

As of July 1, 1999, new federal legislation will increase penalties for drinking and driving. "Canadians have sent a strong message that impaired driving will not be tolerated," said Minister McLellan.

Under the strengthened law

* fines for first time impaired driving convictions double from $300 to $600;

* mandatory minimum driving prohibition periods are significantly longer, from three months to one year for a first offence, six months to two years for a second offence, and from one year to three years on a subsequent offence;

* maximum driving prohibition periods increase from three to five years for a second offence and from three years to a lifetime ban on a third offence;

* the maximum penalty for driving while prohibited rises from two years to five years...