SUSPECTED DRUG USERS COULD LOSE DRIVER'S LICENCES

Drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs other than alcohol
could get a 24-hour suspension that would stay on their driving record for
10 years, according to proposed legislation.

The amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act, tabled in the legislature Monday,
would allow police to suspend a driver's licence even if no criminal
charges are laid.

Peter Christie, minister responsible for Service Nova Scotia, said police
already do that now. He said police would be tipped off that a driver is
under the influence by his or her erratic behaviour and failure to follow
rules of the road.

"If you are under the influence of something other than alcohol, they have
the ability now to get you not to drive your car home," he said.

Mr. Christie said he has "no doubt" a 24-hour suspension on a person's
driving record for a decade would affect that driver's insurance rates.

Justice Minister Jamie Muir said Monday said it's easier to determine if a
person is under the influence of alcohol as opposed to other drugs.

"If somebody is impaired by marijuana, how do you know that?" Mr. Muir
said. "I did the tour of police stations last week. Every one of them has a
breathalyser and they have a roadside checker too. We don't have that
mechanism for marijuana."

Liberal MLA Michel Samson said it's a definite grey area.

"I certainly know a family who suffer from hay fever (and) that during the
summer, you see them sometimes and you might question if they're on
something, but they are not," he said. "They are suffering from the effects
of the environment. It's important that the police know what the boundaries
are going to be and that John Q Public driving down his car down the road
doesn't need to fear that he is going to be accused or charged with driving
under the influence if that is not the case."

Mr. Samson said he doubts leaving a 24-hour suspension on a person's
driving record for 10 years would stand up to a court challenge.

"The idea of our justice system is that you are found guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt," he said. "If that is not the case, presumption of guilt
I don't believe is sufficient."