The following is the content of an email (slightly edited), now widely distributed online as a public service by a contrite BC motorist:

BC has one of the toughest drinking driving laws in Canada, and I found out first hand.   As a first time offender I immediately (lost) my vehicle.  I was polite and cooperative and I was allowed to take a cab home.  If not I wouldn’t even want to consider the consequences.

First, I have no transportation and I have to explain to everyone that I have lost my licence.  I was not yet fully aware of (all) the consequences.

When I actually read my tickets and realized I have to pay towing and storage fees for 30 days, for me that was $626.  (After 30 days) to reclaim my vehicle I had to go to the Licensing Office and have them fax a release to ICBC (insurer) who then must fax it to the towing office.

(Then I had to) contact the towing company to have the vehicle released and in this area they only seem to take cash.  Not to mention that you need two other people in order to pick it up as you can’t drive.

The next thing that happens is that I received a letter that informed me that I must go to a meeting with a councillor who will determine which course on driving I must take.  This course costs approximately $985.  I had to be enrolled in this course before the end of the 90 days to apply for my licence.

(Next I had to have an) ignition inhibitor installed in any vehicle that I drive.  This lovely contraption costs another approximately $700 to have installed, locally it can be done in Nanaimo at the Fountain Tire.  This also had to be installed before I can even apply to get my licence back.

So now I am thinking, ok well at least now I can get my  licence, but let’s not forget the $500 fine that came with the ticket, then of course I must apply to get my licence back which is a $250 fee and the additional $31 licence fee.  Wow, that is another $781 but at least will I have my licence back.

Now that I have done all of this I can …drive.  So now I must blow into this (device) every time I want to start my vehicle and, even more fun, it may request a breath in the middle of a drive.  I must pull over within three minutes or the horn starts honking.

If I fail or fail (to) comply, it is a violation.  This machine has to be monitored monthly at a cost of $105 per month for the next year and you have to at least go to Nanaimo every other month to have it done.  If I have bad readings, or violations, or any other issues, then they can extend the requirement until they are satisfied.

…All in all my night out cost me over $5,000 between the cabs, courses and other requirements, and it is my first offence…I know most of my family, friends, co-workers and even complete strangers are learning a lesson from my mistake.  I hope by reading this you will too.