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Older sanctions against impaired drivers under review

1,200 drivers caught before a court ruling in November 2011 may not have to undergo responsible driving program
Const. Faz Majid.
BOAZ JOSEPH / THE LEADER
Police continue to use immediate roadside penalties to deter drunk driving.

A provincial review is underway to reassess whether 1,200 drivers caught under B.C.'s tougher impaired driving penalties must still undertake responsible driver programs and use ignition interlocks.

The review applies to drivers who were caught and penalized prior to a November 2011 court decision that found part of the original Immediate Roadside Prohibition program was unconstitutional, forcing a revision.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the roadside fines and suspensions handed out to those drivers won't be reversed.

The case-by-case review looks at each of the 1,200 drivers' driving records, including alcohol-related infractions, to determine whether they still require the costly remedial measures.

The reassessment comes after a handful of affected drivers sought a judicial review of their requirements.