Understanding Impaired Driving

One drunk or drug-impaired driving charge can have life-changing consequences. Arrests, licence suspensions, job loss, insurance increases, and possible jail time are all potential outcomes.

Legal Definition

Under the Criminal Code of Canada (Section 320.14), impaired driving includes:

  • Operating a vehicle while your ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Having a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 mg per 100 mL of blood.

Drug-Impaired Driving

Cannabis and other substances can impair driving and increase accident risk. Even legal cannabis use comes with strict responsibilities while operating a vehicle.

Penalties

Canada has strict impaired driving laws. Penalties increase with repeat offences.

First offence:

  • Licence suspension: 1 year
  • Fine: minimum $1,000
  • Mandatory provincial counselling (at your cost)
  • Ignition interlock device for 1 year (at your cost)
  • Criminal record

Second offence (within 10 years):

  • Licence suspension: 3 years
  • Mandatory jail term: minimum 30 days
  • Provincial counselling program (at your cost)
  • Ignition interlock device for 1 year (at your cost)
  • Criminal record