What Is The Punishment For Impaired Driving In Ontario?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and can be dangerous for you and others. To avoid being charged with impaired driving in Ontario, you must fully understand the law and what is classified as impaired driving.

We’ve summarized the definition of impaired driving and some penalties you could face if caught driving under the influence. Keep reading to learn more about impaired driving in Ontario.

What Is Impaired Driving?

In Ontario law, impaired driving is defined as operating a vehicle while your ability to do so is compromised by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. Drugs include cannabis, over-the-counter medication, prescription drugs, and illegal substances.

The laws for impaired driving include the operation of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, boats, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles.

Penalties For Impaired Driving

The penalties for impaired driving vary depending on your age, license type, previous convictions for impaired driving, and the amount of alcohol in your system.

Penalties could include:

• Immediate license suspension
• Fines and reinstatement fines for suspended licenses
• Education or treatment programs
• Vehicle impoundment
• Further penalties upon conviction

Penalties For All Drivers: Warn Range

The warn range for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is between 0.05 – 0.079. You will face penalties if your BAC is within this range or if you fail a Standard Failed Sobriety Test. Penalties may include the following below:

For the first time you are charged:

• 3-day immediate license suspension
• $250 penalty

For the second conviction:

• 7-day immediate license suspension
• Education or treatment program
• $350 penalty

For a third conviction:

• 30-day immediate license suspension
• Education or treatment program
• Ignition interlock condition for six months
• $450 penalty

Note: license reinstatement fees will apply too.

Penalties For All Drivers: Impairment

Impairment penalties apply if your BAC exceeds 0.08, you fail or refuse to comply with a Standard Field Sobriety Test, or you perform poorly in a Drug Recognition Expert Evaluation. Penalties may include the following below:

For the first time:

• 90-day immediate license suspension
• 7-day vehicle impoundment
• $550 penalty

For the second time:

• 90-day immediate license suspension
• 7-day vehicle impoundment
• $550 penalty
• Education or treatment program

For the third time:

• 90-day immediate license suspension
• 7-day vehicle impoundment
• $550 penalty
• Education or treatment program
• Ignition interlock condition for six months

Penalties For All Drivers: Additional Charges

Additional charges may also apply if you are convicted. These charges apply no matter your age or license type and could include. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Transportation has discretion regarding possible penalties and consequences that could arise from your convictions. Additional penalties may be additional license suspensions, mandatory education or treatment programs, or ignition interlock conditions, 

Penalties For Young And Novice Drivers

For drivers under 21, or those with license types G1, G2, M1, or M2, it is illegal for any drugs or alcohol to be present in their system. Young and novice drivers will face the below penalties and may be subject to additional charges as any other driver would.

Penalties for young and novice drivers may include the following below: 

For the first charge:

• 3-day license suspension
• $60 – $1000 fine is convicted
• $250 penalty

For the second charge:

• 7-day license suspension
• $60 – $1000 fine is convicted
• $350 penalty
• Education or treatment program

For the third charge:

303-day license suspension

• $60 – $1000 fine is convicted
• $450 penalty
• Education or treatment program
• Ignition interlock condition for six months

Note: once convicted, young and novice drivers may be subject to a license suspension for 30–90 days or complete license cancellation, depending on their age and the license type. Once again, the Ministry of Transportion has discretion regarding additional penalties or consequences. 

How To Avoid Charges For Driving Impairment

Penalties for impaired driving can be wide-ranging and have a massive impact on your life, which is why avoiding an impaired driving charge is best. There are a few ways to do this, including:

• Having a designated driver
• Using public transport, taxis, or ride shares
• Staying overnight

Need An Impaired Driving Lawyer In Richmond Hill? Contact What The Law Today!

Have you been charged with impaired driving in Ontario and require an impaired driving lawyer? What The Law is a team of dedicated and experienced criminal lawyers who can help you. Contact What The Law to speak with a DUI lawyer today.