Drinking and driving is a serious issue in Ontario.Consequently, the Province enacted strict laws to deter people from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. In this article, we explore the drinking and driving laws in Ontario and the consequences of violating them.
The Legal Limit
In Ontario, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. This is known as the “legal limit.” If you are caught driving with a BAC above this limit, you face serious consequences. BAC 0.08 translates to 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
It’s important to note that the legal limit is not a target, but a maximum limit. It is always safer to avoid drinking and driving altogether, as even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.
It is prohibited to have any alcohol in your system if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You are 21 years old or younger.
- You hold a G1, G2, M1, or M2 license, regardless of your age.
- You are operating a vehicle that necessitates an A-F driver’s license or Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR).
- You are driving a road-building machine.
Penalties for Drinking and Driving
If you are caught driving with a BAC above the legal limit, you face serious consequences. These penalties are designed to discourage people from drinking and driving, and their severity increases with each subsequent offense.
First Offense
If you are convicted of drinking and driving for the first time, you can face the following penalties:
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- A fine of $1,000 to $5,000
- A license suspension of up to one year
- A requirement to attend a mandatory alcohol education or treatment program
- An installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for at least one year
Second Offense
If you are convicted of drinking and driving for the second time, you can face the following penalties:
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- A fine of $1,000 to $5,000
- A license suspension of up to three years
- A requirement to attend a mandatory alcohol education or treatment program
- An installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for at least three years
Third Offense
If you are convicted of drinking and driving for the third time, you can face the following penalties:
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- A fine of $1,000 to $5,000
- A license suspension of up to ten years
- A requirement to attend a mandatory alcohol education or treatment program
- An installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for life
In addition to these penalties, you may also face jail time, and your vehicle may be impounded.
