Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death and injury on Ontario roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs drastically reduces your reaction time, impairs your judgment, and affects your motor skills. The message from Bell Driver Education, and from the province of Ontario, is crystal clear: If you drink, don't drive.

Zero Tolerance for Young and Novice Drivers

In Ontario, the law imposes a strict "Zero Tolerance" policy for young and new drivers. If you are 21 years of age or under, or if you hold a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence (regardless of age), your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) must be exactly zero when driving.

If you violate this rule, you face:

  • An immediate 3-day roadside licence suspension.
  • A fine of $250.
  • A 30-day licence suspension upon conviction (and potentially further fines).
  • For G1/G2 holders, a second occurrence can lead to a 90-day suspension, and a third occurrence means your licence will be cancelled, forcing you to restart the entire graduated licensing program.

Severe Consequences for Fully Licensed Drivers

For fully licensed drivers over 21, the legal limit for a criminal charge is a BAC of 0.08. However, Ontario penalizes drivers found in the "warning range" (a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079). Penalties within the warning range include immediate roadside licence suspensions varying from 3 days to 30 days, administrative penalties, and mandatory alcohol education programs, even for a first offence.

If you are convicted of an impaired driving offence (over 0.08 BAC), the consequences are severe and life-altering. They include:

  • Immediate Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle will be impounded for 7 days.
  • Lengthy Licence Suspensions: Minimum 1-year suspension for a first offence, up to a lifetime ban for subsequent offences.
  • Massive Financial Cost: Hefty fines, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and legal fees. A conviction can easily cost upwards of $20,000 to $30,000 over time.
  • Criminal Record: An impaired driving conviction is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, which can severely impact your employment prospects and ability to travel to the United States.

Ignition Interlock Program: Following an impaired driving conviction, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle at your own expense. This device requires a clean breath sample before the engine will start.

Plan Ahead: The Responsibility of a Driver

A good Attitude—one of the three A's taught at Bell Driver—means making responsible choices before you even get in the car. If you plan on drinking, plan your ride home in advance:

  • Designate a sober driver.
  • Take public transit.
  • Call a taxi or a rideshare service.
  • Stay overnight.

There is absolutely no situation where driving impaired is acceptable. Protect your life, your future, and the lives of everyone sharing the road.