Impaired driving in Canada

Impaired driving in Canada refers to the operation of a motor vehicle while one's ability to operate the vehicle is compromised by alcohol, drugs, or both. It is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and is punishable by a range of penalties including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.

Legal Limit

In Canada, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08%. This is often referred to as the '0.08 limit'. Driving with a BAC above this limit is a criminal offence. In addition, many provinces have administrative penalties for drivers with a BAC above 0.05%.

Penalties

Penalties for impaired driving in Canada vary depending on the severity of the offence and the driver's history of impaired driving. For a first offence, the minimum penalty is a $1,000 fine and a one-year driving prohibition. For a second offence, the minimum penalty is 30 days imprisonment and a two-year driving prohibition. For a third or subsequent offence, the minimum penalty is 120 days imprisonment and a three-year driving prohibition. In addition, drivers convicted of impaired driving may be required to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program, and may have their vehicle impounded.

Prevention

Efforts to prevent impaired driving in Canada include public education campaigns, roadside sobriety checkpoints, and the use of ignition interlock devices for drivers convicted of impaired driving. In addition, the Canadian government has introduced legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws, including mandatory alcohol screening and increased penalties for impaired driving causing death or bodily harm.

See Also

• Drunk driving in the United States
• Drunk driving law by country