Bill 31: The Highway Traffic Amendment Act

This bill most directly affects people who drive commercial vehicles for a living — think long-haul truckers, bus drivers, and operators of larger commercial vehicles in Manitoba — who are now subject to a strict zero-tolerance alcohol rule whenever they're behind the wheel. Businesses that employ or contract these drivers will need to update their policies and training to reflect the new zero-blood-alcohol standard for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 vehicles. Any driver with a prior impaired driving conviction faces a two-year alcohol-free driving requirement after getting their licence back, and a second conviction within ten years triggers a lifetime ban — which could permanently end a driving career. Novice drivers and those on restricted licence classes are also caught by new drug and alcohol rules, meaning businesses that hire younger or recently licensed drivers need to be aware of these stricter standards.