Drink-driving bill passed - No licence after three convictions

Parliament yesterday passed the Evidence and Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2008 which aims to curb driving under the influence of alcohol and makes provision for breathalyzer tests.

Under the new law, it will be an offence for any person who drives or attempts to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle if he has consumed alcohol in such quantity that the proportion in his breath or blood exceeds the prescribed limit.

The prescribed limit according to the bill means 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath and blood alcohol concentration of 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

The amendment bill also provides for the certification of the accuracy of speedometers, radars and weighing devices by the appropriate public officer specified in the document. A document which certifies the accuracy of a speedometer, radar or weighing device may then be produced before the court. The document shall be prima facie evidence of all matters contained therein.

Clause 3 of the Bill amended the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Capt 51:02, to make provision for the authorization of any member of the Guyana Police Force to operate a breath analyzing device or instrument on a driver of a motor vehicle if he is suspected of having consumed alcohol in such a quantity that the proportion in his breath or blood exceeds the prescribed limit.