Nova Scotia

Identification of Offenders. Roadchecks and approved screening devices are used by the police in Nova Scotia to help enforce impaired driving laws. There are no provisions for roadside suspensions for drivers with BACs between 50 and 80 mg%. Pre-conviction administrative licence suspension can be imposed on drinking drivers involved in fatal or pedestrian crashes.

Criminal Code Offences. A Criminal Code conviction for impaired driving results in a one-, two-, or five-year licence suspension for a first, second, and subsequent offence, respectively. There are no mandatory programs for first offenders, but they can be asked to attend a driver improvement interview. Second and subsequent offenders are required to attend an assessment program which can lead to a recommendation to attend one of two impaired driver programs.

Licence Reinstatement. In order to be reinstated as drivers, first offenders must complete the period of suspension, settle all outstanding fines and pay a $100 licence reinstatement fee. They may also be required to attend a driver improvement interview or undergo driver re-examination.

Second and subsequent offenders must meet the same conditions as first offenders for reinstatement plus they must have a satisfactory recommendation from a drug dependency counsellor. This latter condition is generally met by attending the assessment program and completing the recommended course of action.

Third and subsequent offenders may apply to the court after serving three years of a five year suspension for a recommendation to restore their licence. Reinstatement will not occur unless all conditions noted above for repeat offenders have been satisfied and there is no evidence of driving while suspended.

Future Initiatives. Nova Scotia has indicated that several changes will likely be introduced in 1994, including: an education/awareness program for first offenders; user pay rehabilitation; and, a zero BAC for new drivers. Administrative licence suspension, vehicle seizure and impoundment and ignition interlocks are also under active consideration.