Ontario law adds ignition interlock

A rare passage of a private member’s bill into law in the Ontario legislature will introduce ignition interlocks to the array of sanctions available to the courts for impaired driving convictions. MPP Garfield Dunlop’s bill would allow courts to force the installation of devices that will prevent the vehicle from starting until the driver blows an alcohol-free breath sample. The interlock would be enforced for a period of one to three years, depending on the driver’s previous record. Interlock sanctions will be in addition to license suspensions. The Ontario Ministry of Transport has yet to approve interlock devices, or determine who will perform installations.