Ignition interlock mandatory for all drunk drivers

As of Saturday, anyone convicted of impaired driving on P.E.I. will have an ignition interlock installed on their vehicle.

The ignition interlock requires that the driver provide a breath sample in order to start the car. In the past only drivers with multiple convictions required them.

Under the new legislation, the ignition interlock must stay in place for one year for a first offence, two years for the second and five years for the third offence. An additional year is added if a child is in the vehicle at the time of the offence.

The legislation was passed in the fall but just came into effect on Feb. 23.