May, 1999

Getting your licence back

Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. It's also a privilege that most people can't imagine doing without. But what if you're convicted of impaired driving and your licence is suspended? Can you just wait out the suspension to have your licence reinstated?

Under the 1996 drinking and driving legislation, drivers who are convicted of driving with a blood alcohol content exceeding .08 must complete addictions screening and any prescribed treatment prior to licence reinstatement. Prescribed treatment is completion of either a Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course or an addictions recovery program.

"Before the legislation, drivers were able to just wait out their suspension in order to have their licence reinstated," said Phyllis Glowatsky, SGI's Manager of Licensing and Registration Services. "Now they have to do a bit more work to get their privileges back."

This work begins with an addictions screening ­ an appointment that is arranged by the driver with their health district. An addictions counsellor will screen the driver for chemical dependency, recommend a recovery or treatment program, and direct the driver to the DWI program as required. All of this information is included in detail in a letter sent out to suspended drivers.

"Although we send out letters and brochures explaining these requirements to every person who has a suspension, many of them aren't aware of what they have to do," said Glowatsky. "In fact, there are drivers who have completed the suspension period who have still not had an addictions screening."

Between August 1996 and December 1998, 6,208 drivers have undergone addictions screening, with 75 per cent who have completed the DWI course, and 25 per cent who have been referred for a recovery treatment program.

Individuals who complete the DWI course are eligible to apply for a restricted or provisional licence before their statutory suspension is completed. A restricted licence limits where and/or when a person can drive, while a provisional licence grants the driver full driving privileges, but reinstates the original suspension term if the .04 BAC condition is violated.

"The numbers show us that we're addressing the real problem, which is chemical dependency. Impaired driving is just one of many symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction," said Glowatsky.

For further information, contact:
Phyllis Glowatsky
Manager, Driver Programs
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6180

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