New Brunswick to enforce strict drinking and driving rule for new drivers

As of June 1, 2009 all New Brunswick motorists under the age of 21 and/or with a class 2 licence, must maintain a zero per cent blood-alcohol level when driving.

The new rule will applie to all drivers under the age of 21, whether they are enrolled in the graduated driver’s licence program or not, New Brunswick’s Department of Public Safety said.

If a driver not in the graduated licence program is found to have a blood-alcohol level over zero, he or she will be required to pay a $172.50 fine and his or her licence will be suspended for one month.

If a driver in the graduated licence program is caught breaking the new rule, he or she will be required to pay the $172.50 fine, will have their licence suspended for one year, will be required to complete an alcohol rehabilitation course and will have to restart the graduated driver’s licence program with no credit, the province says on its Web site.