Representatives from the Solicitor General's office were in Lacombe June 15 to address law enforcement officers from around the region on the new penalties for drinking and driving introduced in Alberta as part of Bill 26.

The bill, which was passed in fall of 2011, lists harsher penalties for drivers caught with blood alcohol content higher than .05.

July 1 will mark the implementation of the new regulations. Any drivers caught with blood alcohol over .08 will have their license suspended immediately. The suspension will last until the criminal charge is resolved.

But it is the new regulations concerning drivers caught with blood alcohol levels between .05 and .08 that seem to be the strictest.

Starting Sept. 1, any drivers that blow between .05 and .08 will have their vehicle impounded for three days and their license seized on the spot.