N.S. extends drinking and driving suspensions

Nova Scotia now has tougher penalties for people caught driving after they drink, even if they're not legally drunk under the Criminal Code.

Starting Tuesday, drivers who havea blood-alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08 under the legal limit will lose their licence for seven days, up from 24 hours.

The suspension increases to 15 days for a second offence and30 days for a third.

These drivers will have to pay a fee of $89.63 to get their licence reinstated.

Transportation Minister Bill Estabrooks said it's unacceptable to have even one beer before climbing behind thewheel.

"We just aren't going to put up with it anymore," he said. "So drivers beware: It begins today."

Drivers who blow above the legal limit of 0.08 will still face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Endorsed by police

The new regulations are endorsed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and police, who say drivers often miscalculate how much they've had to drink.

Estabrooks said about22 people die in alcohol-related crashes in Nova Scotia every year, andthe tougher penalties will help make roads safer.

Thenew regulations, which fallunder the Motor VehicleAct, werepassed last fall.

Several provinces have similar laws.