TORONTO - Drivers aged 21 years and under will be required to maintain a zero blood alcohol level while behind the wheel as of Aug. 1, QMI Agency has learned.

The no-booze rule applies even if the driver has a full licence.

The change is part of a package of driver reforms first introduced in 2008 by the Dalton McGuinty government.

"Perhaps the most precious thing that we have in our society is our children, and that includes our older children," McGuinty said when the changes were first announced.

"I think we owe it to our kids to take the kinds of measures, take the steps, that ensure that they will grow up safe."

Currently, Ontario drivers with a G1 or G2 beginner's licence must maintain a zero blood alcohol level.

However, motorists with a G licence won't get into trouble unless they're found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the warning rage, 0.5 to 0.8, or higher.

The new rule demands that all drivers up to the age of 21 years, 364 days, 11 hours and 59 minutes maintain a zero BAC while motoring.

According to the MADD website, new stiffer sanctions for drivers who break these and other rules will take effect the same day.

Novice and young drivers caught drinking and driving get an immediate 24-hour roadside licence suspension, and could face a fine of $60-$500, according to MADD.

For a third conviction on this and other driving violations, a new driver would be stripped of a novice licence and forced to begin the process anew.

The anti-impaired driving groups say 15- to 25-year-olds are disproportionately involved in alcohol-related crash deaths.

"Zero BAC requirements have been shown, both internationally and in Canada ... to reduce the rates of alcohol-related crashes," the website says.

Government figures show that teen drivers are more likely to be in a collision than drivers in any other age group.

In 2005, motor vehicle collisions were the leading cause of hospital admissions among youth aged 15 to 24.

antonella.artuso@sunmedia.ca