Drug-impaired drivers to face tougher penalties in Ontario starting Oct. 2

The Ontario government announced Wednesday they are introducing tougher penalties for drivers under the influence of drugs — that match the fines already in place for drunk drivers.

Starting Oct. 2, drivers under the influence of drugs will face the following penalties:

- A $180 fine.

- An immediate licence suspension of three days for the first occurrence, seven days for the second occurrence and 30 days for the third and subsequent occurrences upon failure of a roadside sobriety test.

- A possible 90-day licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment following further testing by a drug recognition expert at a police station.

- Mandatory education or treatment programs and installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicles for drivers with two or more licence suspensions involving alcohol or drugs within a 10-year period.

Toronto police announced last week that the number of drug-related impaired-driving offences this year has increased more than threefold compared to this time in 2015.

Police say most of those charges are not marijuana-related; most cases are related to prescription drugs.