Consequences of Conviction

In addition to the monetary costs facing convicted drinking drivers the following penalties apply: An impaired driving conviction under the Criminal Code results in a suspension under the Highway Traffic Act and a driving prohibition under the Criminal Code. The following chart shows the minimum penalties and consequences.
Consequences under the
Highway Traffic Act
First Offence
* 1 year licence suspension*
* Remedial measures requirement
* Minimum 1 year ignition interlocks condition upon reinstatement
Second Offence
* 3-year licence suspension*
* Remedial measures requirement
* Minimum 3 years ignition interlocks condition upon reinstatement
Third Offence
* Lifetime licence suspension*
(Reducible to 10 years if remedial measures requirement and other conditions met)
* Ignition interlocks condition for life if suspension reduced
Fourth and Subsequent Offence
* Lifetime licence suspension*
* No possibility of reinstatement
Minimum Penalties
Under the Criminal Code
First Offence
* 1 year driving prohibition
* $600 fine
Second Offence
* 2-year driving prohibition
* 14-day jail sentence
Third Offence
* 3-year driving prohibition
* 90-day jail sentence
Fourth and Subsequent Offence
* 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 from $5,000 - $50,000.