New Brunswick drivers with a lead foot will now face harsher consequences if they are caught.

Proposed stiffer penalties for extreme speeding, also known as “stunting,” are now in effect.

Anyone caught driving 50 km/h to 80 km/h over the speed limit will have their vehicle impounded for a week.

That is in addition to a $500 fine and five demerit points on your licence, which were in place before the changes were made.

Driving more than 80 km/h over the speed limit will lead to a 30-day vehicle impoundment, a $1,000 fine, and six points off the driver’s licence.

Cpl. Hans Ouellette, media relations officer for the New Brunswick RCMP, said any changes that will help improve road safety are always a plus.

“Safety for everyone on our roadways is always a top priority for the New Brunswick RCMP,” Ouellette said in an interview shortly after the proposed changes were announced in March.

Ouellette said they are aware that other provinces already have similar laws in place for excessive speeding, also known as “stunting.”

“The RCMP constantly consults and works closely with the province and its policing partners when it comes to road and highway safety,” he said.