According to VOCM News, Newfoundland and Labrador is going to bring in tougher laws on drinking and driving.

Currently anyone who blows the "warning" sign can lose driving privileges for 24 hours. That law was controversial enough when it was brought in in the 1990's.

Now the plan is to replace it with seven days under changes to the Highway Traffic Act and the legislature will be asked to vote on it during this sitting. That seven days increases with the number of offences up to a maximum of six months - a far cry from 24 hours.

There are also several other changes, most geared to enhancing the powers of police officers to stop vehicles.

There is also an automatic three-month suspension for anyone who fails or refuses, which kicks in even before the suspect is tried in court. As well, novice drivers whose blood alcohol level reads more than zero will also face penalties. Currently, novice drivers are subject to the same drinking and driving penalties as others.

Government Services Minister Kevin O'Brien says the changes are long overdue.