If you have been issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), a 90-day Administrative Roadside Prohibition (ADP) or a Criminal Code conviction for drinking and driving you may be facing uncertainty about whether or not you will need to enrol in the Responsible Driver Program if the prohibition is upheld.
There is no hard and fast answer, but this guide will explain how the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles decides if it will refer someone to the Responsible Driver Program.
What is the Responsible Driver Program?
The Responsible Driver Program (RDP) is a remedial course given to drivers with certain impaired driving violations on their driving record. The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles requires these drivers to attend the RDP in order to encourage them to improve their driving behaviour.
It consists of in-person and over-the-phone sessions where participants are required to discuss their drinking and driving behaviour.
Who has to enrol in the Responsible Driver Program?
The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles will refer drivers to the Responsible Driver Program if they accumulate six remedial program points within a five-year window. Different impaired driving violations carry certain remedial program points. All 90-day IRPs, 90-day ADPs and Criminal Code convictions carry a penalty of six remedial program points, so if you receive one of these, you will automatically be referred to the RDP. If you accumulate only one 24-hour, three-, seven-, or 30-day prohibition within five years, you will not be required to enrol in the RDP.
The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles may also decide it is in the public interest to have a driver complete the course after examining their driving record, skills, fitness and ability to drive.
How much will it cost?
Participants in the RDP will have to pay around $930 ($905 plus GST) to the service provider, Stroh Health Care, for the program.
If you want to avoid taking the RDP, we can have the requirement lifted. Call us for a free consultation on 604-685-8889.