A Victoria Police Reserve Constable looks at a driver's license during a check stop on Yates St. in downtown Victoria.Chad Hipolito For The Globe And Mail
The changing penalties for impaired driving in B.C. for a first-time offence:
Penalties escalate for repeat offenders.
A driver is in the warn range with a blood alcohol content of .05 – .08.
A driver is in the fail range over .08.
Prior to September, 2010:
Warn
Driver's licence immediately suspended for 24 hours
Vehicle impounded for 24 hours
Fail
Driver's licence immediately suspended for 24 hours
Notice of a 90-day licence suspension, subject to appeal
Vehicle impounded for 24 hours
Possible criminal charges
September, 2010 – November, 2011:
Warn
Driver's licence immediately suspended for three days
Vehicle impounded for three days
$600 in penalties
Fail
Driver's licence immediately suspended for 90 days
Vehicle impounded for 30 days
Required to take responsible driver program
One year with an ignition interlock device
$3,750 in penalties
Current:
Warn
Driver's licence immediately suspended for three days
Vehicle impounded for three days
$600 in penalties
Fail
Driver's licence immediately suspended for 24 hours
Notice of a 90-day licence suspension, subject to appeal
Vehicle impounded for 24 hours
Possible criminal charges