Furious Drivers Claim Canada's New Drunk Driving Laws Are A Violation Of Your Rights

As you have probably already heard, new and stricter-than-ever impaired driving laws are taking effect in Canada this week. 

In short, the new impaired driving criminal code gives the police a lot more power. Officers can now give a breathalyser test to anyone they pull over, and they don't even need reasonable grounds to administer the test.

READ ALSO: Canada Police Warning: Most People Will Be Breathalyzed During The Holidays

TL;DR A new impaired driving criminal code came into effect which gives police the right to administer a breathalyser test without having to prove reasonable "suspicion" that a driver is drunk.  Many are outraged by this, claiming it's a violation of citizens' rights and gives police unchecked power. 

This new law was passed by the federal government in hopes of reducing drunk driving and the number of deadly collisions caused by it.

Before this law, officers needed "reasonable suspicion" to administer a breathalyzer test. This suspicion could arise from anything that suggested a driver was drunk such as slurred speech or alcohol breath. 

Now, however, officers no longer have to prove that suspicion. Some people are outraged by this; claiming it's a violation of citizens' rights.

In fact, this new law does technically violate the charter of rights.

Section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides everyone in Canada with protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Looking to a Reddit thread discussing the topic, here are are some of the major arguments and points that go against this new law. 

Via reddit

Via reddit

@sureteduquebecembedded via  

Via reddit