News Release

For Immediate Release
February 20, 2008

McGuinty Government Protecting Ontario Families From Drinking And Driving

HAMILTON — Those who repeatedly drink and drive risk losing their cars permanently under a new civil law that takes effect today. 

This legislation sets a new national standard for keeping Ontario’s roads and families safe from people who repeatedly choose to drink and drive. 

The new law allows the civil courts, at the request of the Attorney General, to impound and forfeit a vehicle, if the court finds:

• That the vehicle was involved in, or is likely to be involved in, a drinking and driving offence, AND
• The vehicle is owned or driven by a person whose driver’s licence has been suspended for a drinking and driving offence two or more times in the preceding 10 years.

Victims of the activity which resulted in the forfeiture may apply for compensation from the proceeds of sale.

The new amendments to the Civil Remedies Act, 2001, were introduced in the Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act, 2007, and target vehicles used by people who repeatedly drink and drive.

“Ontario takes impaired driving very seriously,” said Attorney General Chris Bentley.  “Repeat drinking drivers who aren’t getting the message now run the risk of having the courts take their vehicles away forever.”  

“Ontario is a leader in road safety across North America,” said Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation. “To keep families and communities safe, we are getting tougher on those who endanger themselves and others.  Our message is simple, if you drink, don’t drive.”

“We are using every criminal and civil law tool available to us to help keep people who repeatedly drink and drive off Ontario’s roads,” said Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. 

“This new law targeting the vehicles of repeat drinking and driving offenders will help make Ontario communities safer,” said Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale.

Ontario leads the way in combating drinking and driving through some of the toughest laws and programs in North America, including:

• Immediate licence suspension
• Stiff fines
• Longer suspension periods
• Mandatory alcohol education and treatment
• Vehicle impoundment
• Ignition Interlock program.

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