FREDERICTON—The New Brunswick government is amending its Motor Vehicle Act next week to slap harsher penalties on those who get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs. Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart says impaired driving is one of the leading causes of preventable fatalities on highways. ( Chris Seto / Guelph Mercury file photo )Police will also have the authority to use an oral fluid screening device on people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. There will also be escalating short-term licence suspensions of seven, 15 and 30 days for repeat occurrences within a five-year period and increased fees for getting a licence reinstated. The province says the amendments are intended to complement the Criminal Code of Canada, which already has “serious consequences” for impaired drivers, including heavy fines, driving prohibitions and prison sentences for repeat offenders.

Source: thestar December 15, 2018 17:03 UTC