Bill 26 at a Glance
Published on December 7, 2011
The Government of Alberta passed new legislation aimed at improving safety on the province’s roads.
Here are the changes at a glance:
Criminal Code offences: Drivers with blood alcohol over .08:
Immediate licence suspension which is sustained until criminal charge is resolved.
Mandatory ignition interlock after criminal conviction (over .08)
1st offence – sustained licence suspension and 3-day vehicle seizure, 1 year mandatory ignition interlock
2nd offence – sustained licence suspension, 7- day vehicle seizure, 3 year mandatory ignition interlock
3rd offence – sustained licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, 5 year mandatory ignition interlock
What is an ignition interlock device? It is an instrument installed in a motor vehicle that measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath. If the person provides a fail, it will not allow the person to start the vehicle.
Enhanced sanctions: Drivers with BAC from .05 up to .08:
These drivers are not and will not be subject to Criminal Code prosecutions.
1st offence - 3-day licence suspension, 3-day vehicle seizure.
2nd offence - 15-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, remedial course.
3rd offence - 30-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, mandatory board hearing , remedial course.
For new drivers:
Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL): driver found with blood alcohol of any kind – 30-day licence suspension and 7-day vehicle seizure.
BAC Chart for Men *
Source: ProServe Liquor Training Manual, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
BAC Chart for Women *
Source: ProServe Liquor Training Manual, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
IMPORTANT
The information contained in the BAC estimation charts should be used as a guideline only. Many factors can contribute to the BAC level of an individual (e.g., intake of food) and consequently lessen the usefulness of the figures. Therefore, these calculations should not be considered conclusive when evaluating sobriety or intoxication.
* BAC Estimation Chart Data should not be relied upon without considering other factors and individual conditions.
