New penalties to curb drivers high on drugs take effect...

New penalties to curb drivers high on drugs take effect Wednesday
Jul 2, 2008

TORONTO — Canadians who drive while high won't be able to refuse roadside drug tests under new laws that kick in Wednesday.

Police can now require drivers to submit to roadside tests.

Officers also have the power to take suspected drug-impaired drivers to a police station or hospital to give a blood, urine or saliva sample.

Under the old law, police were obliged to tell drivers suspected of being high that roadside tests weren't mandatory.

But as of Wednesday, refusing the test will be considered a criminal offence.

Drivers convicted of drug-impaired driving now face a minimum $1,000 fine for a first offence and a month in jail for a second conviction.