New breathalyzer rules targeting alcohol to take effect
NANAIMO — Police officers across Canada will soon be able to demand motorists take a breathalyzer even if no signs of alcohol impairment are shown.
Beefed up federal impaired driving laws take effect on Tuesday, Dec. 18., which allow for mandatory breath samples during traffic or roadside check stops.
Central Island Traffic Services RCMP Sgt. Darrin Ramey said police previously had to suspect a driver was under the influence before a breath test could be issued.
“They may not be stumbling and falling down, but their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by alcohol and this is going to help us catch those people,” Ramey told NanaimoNewsNOW.