Toronto, Ontario – Ontario is proposing tough new legislation that, if passed, will change the province’s Graduated Licensing System and also crack down on all drivers who drive while impaired or under suspension.

The proposed changes to the Graduated Licensing System would mean it would take a new driver up to 36 months to get a driver’s license, giving them better skills and experience to drive safely. The proposed changes also include a zero blood alcohol concentration level for all drivers 21 years of age and younger; tougher penalties for novice drivers that increase with each violation of graduated licensing restrictions, with convictions that result in demerit points or with court-ordered suspensions; and tighter restrictions on the number of young passengers that teenaged drivers can carry.

Other changes proposed in the bill would give police the power to immediately impound a suspended driver for seven days at roadside, and convicted drunk drivers and those who continue to drive without a court-ordered ignition lock would also be subject to an immediate seven-day roadside impoundment.

“Teenaged drivers are about 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision,” said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley. “Lengthening their training period will give young and novice drivers more time to develop a lifetime of safe driving habits.”