News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

September 20 is fast approaching, which is the start date for the new and toughest driving laws in Canada.

The Cariboo Regional Traffic Services Units have now been trained on the new laws and are ready to enforce these once September 20 rolls around.

These new laws not only include more immediate sanctions for the person who wishes to drink and drive, but will also deal with those who think that excessive speeding is OK.

"Drinking and Driving is recognized by almost everyone as a dumb move, but we still see it everyday,"  advised Sergeant Reinhold Weissbock of the North Cariboo Traffic Services.  "If you got caught it would sometimes take a year before you went to court, but after September 20 you will feel the consequences immediately."

This is what will now happen immediately if you blow a “FAIL” on the road side;

1.  Immediate 90 Roadside Driving Ban

2.  $ 500.00 fine

3.  $250.00 drivers licence reinstatement fee

4.  Responsible Drivers Program - $800.00

5. One year Ignition Interlock - $1,730
    Total = at least $4060.00
    That does not include a possible criminal charge, legal fees, court-ordered fines or penalties.

"If you get caught speeding and you are over 40 km over the posted speed limit, say good bye to your vehicle for seven days.  So the next time you decide not to slow down in that construction zone, remember what will happen if you are doing more then 40km over the limit," warned Sergeant Weissbock .

For the 95% of the population on the roadway, these new laws will only make it safer for you and your family.  The other 5 %, who do not care about the rest, will find out quickly how the new rules work.

The goal of the Cariboo Regional Traffic Services Unit (100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel) is to make the highways the safest in Canada.

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