Canada Stiffens Its Drunk-Driving Law

OTTAWA —  Drunks caught behind the controls of an automobile, boat or airplane after today may consider hangovers trivial compared with tough new Canadian laws against alcohol-impaired driving.

The punishment for drunken drivers starting during this Christmas season will range from a minimum of a $300 fine--up from $50--to a maximum sentence of six months in jail topped with a $2,000 fine. Second offenders will spend at least two weeks in jail, while third and subsequent offenses will bring a minimum of 90 days.

A first conviction will also mean an automatic three-month driving prohibition, and a second will result in a six-month ban, except where provincial statutes impose greater penalties.