Following Provinces such as British Columbia,  the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia recently introduced new regulations that will affect how drivers choose to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Although the Federal Canadian government’s Criminal Code has a limit of 0.08 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, Provinces are free to enact their own lower limits while driving on Provincial roads and highways. Although a lower limit will carry Provincial penalties, it will not carry criminal charges.  However, the penalties can be stiff and some suggest the new regulations Provinces are introducing give police and law enforcement too much power in that penalties begin as soon as a driver is charged instead of waiting for a trial.  In effect, our police are being given judicial powers.

As of October 26, 2010, Nova Scotia drivers are subject to an automatic 7 day driver license suspension if they are asked by a Police Officer to provide a breath sample, and the machine registers a BAC of between 0.05 and 0.08%. As well, there is a license reinstatement fee of $89.63.

A second offense in Nova Scotia carries an automatic license suspension of 30 days.

Of course, many believe that these new regulations that Provinces are enacting are a bit draconian and go after the wrong drivers.