Bill To Strengthen Licensing Program

Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act were introduced today, March 30, to improve the province's Graduated Drivers Licensing Program.

"We're introducing changes to the program that will make new drivers better prepared for the road," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac. "These new rules are a result of recommendations by Nova Scotia's road safety advisory committee and reports on the best practices in Canada."

The proposed amendments will:

• extend the learner's stage from six months to 12 months
• require zero blood alcohol content level for all drivers with less than five years driving experience
• require learners and newly licensed drivers to pass a competency evaluation before advancing to the next step
• increase passenger restrictions
• strengthen supervising driver requirements
• introduce special identification signs for learner and novice drivers.

Amendments were also introduced that will remove inconsistencies between the fine for exceeding time at a parking meter and the fine for exceeding time allowed on a parking-permitted sign.

The government is aligning the penalties for parking sign violations in response to concerns of municipalities, police forces and drivers. Both fines will now be $55.