In 1977 BC established the limit of 50 mg% as the provincial limit on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for drivers. When tested with an approved screening device drivers with a BAC over this limit received a 24 hour roadside prohibition. Relatively recently, this prohibition also included a 24 hour vehicle impoundment to go along with the prohibition.
Effective on September 20, 2010 the prohibition dealt to drivers with a BAC between 50 and 80 mg% (known as a warn) will change significantly. When tested with an approved screening device at roadside a driver who provides a breath sample that is analyzed as a warn will face a minimum 3 day driving prohibition, an administrative penalty of $200, a driver's license reinstatement fee of $250, a 3 day vehicle impound and the associated towing and storage fees.
In the case of a driver whose driving record already contains a single prohibition within the past 5 years, the prohibition and impoundment periods rise to 7 days. The administrative penalty will increase to $300 and the driver will be required to participate in the ignition interlock program for one year at a cost of $1,730.
Should the driver have 2 or more previous prohibitions within the previous 5 year period, prohibition and impoundment rise to 30 days. The administrative penalty will increase to $400 and the driver will be required to participate in the Responsible Driver Program at a cost of $880.
In both of the latter cases the $250 driver's license reinstatement fee and the towing and storage charges will apply as well.
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