P.E.I. drivers with demerit points have more options to clear record

It's now a little easier for drivers on Prince Edward Island to be cleared of demerit points for driving infractions.

Drivers on the Island start with a clean slate and no points on their license. They accumulate demerit points for each infraction such as a speeding ticket or using a cellphone while driving.

A warning is issued once six demerit points is reached. At nine points, the driver is called in for aninterview. A licence can be suspended if they reach 12 points.

Up until now, drivers could get three points removed if they successfully completed a Canada Safety Council driving course. But itwas the only course accepted.

That has now been expanded to include any safe driving course approved by the registrar.

Minister of Transportation Paula Biggar said demand for the one approved course made it difficult for some people to access it.

"There was, and I think at one point it wasn't available, so you know people were wanting to take the course," she said.

"So working with the council and other agencies we have determined that this is another way to encourage people to get defensive driving courses."

Biggar notes the approved defensive driving courses can also be used by drivers who have no infractions now, but want to obtain a credit.

"It is an incentive for them to go out there and do it," she said.

The new rules came into effect on March 19.