The provincial government has made a number of amendments to the Traffic Safety Act with Bill 16. Transportation Minister Brian Mason says one change will prevent tickets for drivers who accidentally show expired proof of insurance.

"Right now, it's an offense to provide an expired pink card, period. Even if you have one that's up to date. If you've got a second, expired card in your thing and the police officer sees it he can give you a ticket. So we're changing that. If you can produce an up to date card, there's no offense."

Mason says other major changes will strengthen legislation surrounding impaired driving and add regulations for transportation companies like Uber. He says a police background check, class four or better driver's license, and appropriate insurance will now be required for Uber drivers

He says this will better ensure the safety of those using Uber.

"You want to be assured that first of all that they don't have a criminal record, that they're not going to rob you or hurt you. You want to ensure they have the appropriate drivers license, so that you'll be safe. And you want to make sure that if you do get into an accident they have insurance that's going to cover you."

Mason says as part of Bill 16 they've lengthened the suspension for anyone guilty of impaired driving causing injury or death.

"We're changing the periods of time that people are suspended if they're guilty of impaired driving causing injury or death. Right now the criminal penalty is five years but the suspension is only one. We're increasing the suspension up to five years to match the criminal sanction that's there."

Mason says anyone convicted of impaired driving with a blood alcohol level less than .160, double the legal limit, can no longer appeal the Ignition Interlock Program. He says the program separates the behaviours of driving and drinking and has been proven to reduce the recurrence of impaired driving.

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