Dec 2018

Canada’s New Impaired Driving Laws go into Effect

The new laws went into effect on December 18th and make Canada’s laws some of the strictest in the world in regards to impaired driving. The new laws not only include harsher monetary penalties, but they also provide law enforcement with new powers when it comes to interacting with drivers. Officers no longer need reasonable suspicion to demand a breathalyzer, they can demand a test from any driver they pull over. Refusing to complete the test can result in a charge.

An overview of the changes is as follows:

  • First offence, with blood alcohol content of 80-119 mg: mandatory minimum $1,000 fine
  • First offence, with blood alcohol content of 120-159 mg: mandatory minimum $1,500 fine
  • First offence, with blood alcohol content of 160 mg or more: mandatory minimum $2,500 fine
  • First offence, but refuse to be tested: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine
  • Second offence: mandatory minimum 30 days imprisonment
  • Third or more offence: mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment
  • Maximum penalties for impaired driving causing no bodily harm or death: summary conviction carries two years less a day imprisonment, indictment carries 10 years imprisonment
  • Maximum penalties for impaired driving causing bodily harm: Summary conviction for less severe injuries carries two years less a day imprisonment, indictment carries 14 years imprisonment
  • Maximum penalty impaired driving causing death: life imprisonment