The Alberta government is bringing in its tougher new penalties for drinking and driving on the July 1 long weekend.

Transportation Minister Ric McIver says the amount of booze a driver can consume before getting behind the wheel hasn't changed, but the consequences have.

Drivers caught with a blood alcohol level higher than .08 will lose their licence immediately and not be allowed behind the wheel until charges are resolved.

Alberta is the first province to institute indefinite suspensions for being caught after too many drinks.

Drivers convicted under federal laws also will have a device installed in their vehicles for up to five years to prevent them from starting if high blood alcohol is detected.

McIver says he's confident the legislation has enough safeguards and avenues for appeal to survive a constitutional challenge.