| |
Automatic |
If
Convicted |
| First
Offence |
90
day license suspension |
• Ministry imposed 1 year license suspension
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
for one year at a cost of approximately $1,500
• Mandatory attendance of the Back on Track remedial
measure program at a cost of $475
• An administrative monetary penalty of $150
• 100-500% insurance premium increase
• Potential imprisonment
• Criminal record
|
|
Second
Offence
|
90
day license suspension
|
• Ministry imposed 3 year license suspension
• Automatic imprisonment for a minimum of 30 days
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
for three years at a cost of approximately $1,500
• Mandatory attendance of the Back on Track remedial
measure program at a cost of $475
• An administrative monetary penalty of $150
• Insurance premium increase (substantial)
• Criminal record
|
|
Third
Offence
|
90
day license suspension |
• Ministry imposed reducible lifetime ban (the ban can
be lifted after 10 years if the driver installs a
breathalyzer device in their car)
• Automatic imprisonment for a minimum of 120 days
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
for three years at a cost of approximately $1,500
• Mandatory attendance of the Back on Track remedial
measure program at a cost of $475
• An administrative monetary penalty of $150
• Insurance premium increase (substantial)
• Criminal record
|
|
Fourth
Offence
|
90
day license suspension |
• Ministry imposed lifetime ban (no appeal)
• Automatic imprisonment for a minimum of 120 days
• Insurance unnecessary
• Criminal record
|
Back on Track Program: |
Anyone who has been convicted of a drinking and driving related offence or has received more than one roadside licence suspension for a blood alcohol level from 0.05 - 0.08 will be required to enroll in the Back on Track remedial measure program at his or her own expense. The cost of this program is $578 plus tax.
Back on Track has three components:
1) Medical assessment
2) Education or treatment
3) Follow-up interview
The medical assessment will determine the existence and/or the extent of your drinking problem and check for any signs of alcoholism. The educational component of the program focuses on how alcohol and drugs affect drivers and their driving performance. The effects on safety as well as the legal and personal implications of an impaired driving charge are discussed. The treatment
component of the program focuses on taking responsibility for your actions, the consequences of alcohol abuse and preventative measures for the future. The follow-up interview will take place 6 months after the completion of the education or treatment components of the programs and will assess the success of these components along with different strategies for future prevention. For your licence to be reinstated, you must successfully complete the Back on Track program before the end of your suspension period. The entire program can take up to 11 months to complete so impaired drivers should register for the course immediately if convicted. |
| Ignition Interlock Program: |
Anyone who has been convicted of a drinking and driving related offence or has received more than one roadside licence suspension for a blood alcohol level from 0.05 - 0.08 three or more times in a five year period will be subject to the Ignition Interlock Program at his or her own cost. Installation alone is approximately $1,500 and the associated inspection and maintenance fees are around $100 per month from the time the device is installed in your car.
The ignition interlock device is essentially an in-car breathalyzer that is connected to the engine and prevents a vehicle from starting if a blood alcohol level of over 0.02 is detected.
|
| Criminal Record: |
Please be aware, if you are convicted of impaired driving or a related criminal offence, this will lead to a criminal record. A criminal charge will show up on your record for at least 10 years. After the 10 years, you may apply for a pardon, but there is no guarantee you will be granted one and it can take another year or two to obtain. Consequently, it is important that you consult with reputable representatives in dealing with your matter.
A criminal record could impact your life in various ways such as, higher insurance rates, having a negative impact on your employment, and even being denied entry at foreign borders. It is important to seek out professional advice in these matters so you can be assured that your charge is dealt with fully and competently.
|
Police
have the right to impound vehicles, and owners with suspended licences caught
behind the wheel will be incarcerated for periods of 45, 90 and 180 days. Fines for that charge
will increase to $25,000 from $5,000 and car owners will have to pay impound
fees to get their vehicles back.
If
injury or death occurs, the maximum penalties include (respectively) 10
and 14 years imprisonment. |
