The federal justice minister is considering a new law that would allow police to conduct random breathalyzer tests on drivers, regardless of whether they suspect motorists have been drinking.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson raised the prospect recently at a meeting of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, according to MADD chief executive Andrew Murie.

If random testing were to be adopted, it would be a major change to Canada's 40-year-old breathalyzer legislation, which stipulates that police may only administer a test if they suspect a driver has been drinking.

In June, a House of Commons parliamentary committee recommended changing the legislation to allow for random testing, arguing it is an effective deterrent.

The change would also bring Canada in line with a number of other countries in Europe and countries like Australia, which have adopted similar measures.

Murie said its biggest selling point is that it improves road safety, with drunk driving fatalities dropping 36 per cent in Australia after legislation was introduced, and 23 per cent in Ireland when it made the change.

September 1st not only marks the first day of a new month, but the first day some new Louisiana laws take effect. One in particular affects motorists who choose to drink and drive.

Starting Monday, anyone who refuses to take a breathalyzer test may lose their license for a year.

That penalty is now doubled from the previous law, where motorists who refused would only lose their license for six months.

TV10 would like to know if you agree with the new breathalyzer law, to let us know participate in our online poll.  

A DUI checkpoint in Chula Vista, California, has resulted in 33 citations and 25 vehicle impounds according to local police. 

The checkpoint was in place from 6PM to 2AM Monday on the Eastlake Parkway. The checkpoint was part of the national DUI crackdown, "Over the Limit. Under Arrest." This national effort has granted funds through state departments of traffic safety for increased enforcement of DUI and vehicle-safety violations surrounding the Labor Day holiday.