Building on a commitment it made in January to continue to look at ways to further strengthen referrals to remedial driving programs, the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV) is taking additional steps to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the referral and review processes for people who are caught drinking and driving.

Specifically, OSMV has now put in place a formal administrative review structure for drivers referred to remedial programs - the Responsible Driver Program (RDP) and the Ignition Interlock Program (IIP). Previously, when drivers wished to have their referral to participate in these programs reviewed, they could write in and request reconsideration. Now, when a driver is referred, they will be provided with their driving record and information about the formal process available to have their referral reconsidered.

In anticipation of this enhanced review structure, OSMV has not referred any drivers to remedial programs since mid-December 2012. These drivers will now be receiving a letter with information on their referral status and the new review process.

Also, to be consistent with this new review process, OSMV will be proactively reviewing the driving records of those B.C. drivers who've been referred to remedial programs between 2005 and mid-December 2012, but who haven't yet completed them. OSMV will be communicating with all the affected drivers as these reviews are completed.

To be clear, this new administrative review process will not impact any other driving prohibition or related penalty that these drivers have already faced.

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961