Today, the Manitoba government announced some changes regarding the Highway Traffic Act, cracking down on drivers charged with driving under the influence.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced a change that would ensure that people who've been charged with impaired driving but have not complied with the ignition interlock requirement will not be able to appeal their driving suspension.
Manitoba Public Insurance states that an ignition interlock device is an in-vehicle, alcohol breath screening device that is wired into the vehicle’s ignition.
The device will prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected or will sound an alarm if the vehicle is in motion.
The new Alternative Measures program would allow a person charged with impaired driving to agree with the Crown to participate in a rigorous impaired driving awareness and education program rather than being prosecuted in court.
Minister Wiebe stated clearly that this should not be considered an easy way out, as it still will require the driver to participate in the ignition interlock program.
