Drinking and Driving Penalties

Offence

Highway Traffic Act

Criminal Code

First

1 year licence suspension*
Remedial measures requirement
1 year ignition interlock condition upon reinstatement**
1 year driving prohibition
$600 fine

Second

3 year licence suspension*
Remedial measures requirement
3 years ignition interlock condition upon reinstatement**
2 year driving prohibition
14 day jail sentence

Third

Lifetime licence suspension*
(Reducible to ten years if certain conditions are met)
Ignition interlock condition for life if suspension reduced**
3 year driving prohibition
90 day jail sentence

Fourth and subsequent

Lifetime licence suspension *
Same as third offence

*Drivers who are caught driving while their licence is suspended for a Criminal Code conviction will have the vehicle they are driving impounded and face fines of $5,000 to $50,000.

**As of December 23, 2001 any driver who commits and is subsequently convicted of a drinking driving offence will, upon reinstatement, have a mandatory ignition interlock condition placed on his/her driver’s licence. This means that, after reinstatement, if the individual wishes to drive it must be in a vehicle that is equipped with an approved ignition interlock device.

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