Impaired driving laws in Nunavut

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the zero-tolerance rule and who it applies to.
• You can describe the roadside suspension periods in the Traffic Safety Act.
• You can name the main Criminal Code limit for alcohol.
• You can explain why cannabis, medicines and fatigue matter too.

What you need to know and understand

• Drivers who are minors or novice drivers, and commercial drivers, face a 30-day roadside suspension for any alcohol or a detectable amount of another drug.
• Other drivers face a 24-hour suspension at 50 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood or more on a first occasion.
• With a previous suspension, the period rises to 30 days at 50 mg or more, and 90 days at 80 mg or more.
• Police can also suspend a licence for 24 hours if your ability is affected by alcohol, a drug or fatigue.
• Under the Criminal Code it is a crime to drive while impaired to any degree, or with 80 mg or more of alcohol per 100 mL of blood within two hours of driving.
• Drivers stopped under these rules must comply with a police demand for breath or drug samples.

Zero means zero for new drivers

Section 116.3 of the Traffic Safety Act gives police the power to suspend a licence at the roadside. If you are a minor, a novice driver or driving a commercial vehicle, any alcohol or a detectable amount of another drug, including cannabis, leads to a 30-day suspension. A licence from outside Nunavut does not help: drivers licensed elsewhere are disqualified from driving in Nunavut for the same period. Treat zero as your rule from the day you get your learner's licence, and check with Motor Vehicles exactly how your licence is categorized.

Roadside suspensions for all drivers

These territorial suspensions are separate from any criminal charge and start immediately.

• 24 hours: ability affected by alcohol, a drug or fatigue, in the officer's view.
• 24 hours: 50 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood or more, with no previous suspension in Nunavut.
• 30 days: 50 mg or more, with a previous suspension, disqualification or prohibition.
• 90 days: 80 mg or more, with a previous suspension, disqualification or prohibition.

The Criminal Code layer

Federal law applies everywhere in Canada. Driving while your ability is impaired to any degree by alcohol or a drug, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg per 100 mL or more within two hours of driving, is a criminal offence. The Nunavut Driver's Manual reminds drivers that a charge can be laid whatever the reading if your driving ability is impaired. The Criminal Code covers any motor vehicle, so snowmobiles and ATVs count too.

Medicines, cannabis and tiredness

Sleeping pills, some allergy and cold medicines, and some prescription drugs cause drowsiness. Never combine them with alcohol. Cannabis slows reactions while making users feel more confident. Fatigue can be just as dangerous: police can stop a driver who is too tired to drive safely. Our deeper guide on Nunavut impaired driving and zero tolerance has worked examples.

Common mistakes

• Thinking one drink is fine for a learner. Any alcohol breaks the zero rule.
• Believing coffee or a cold shower sobers you up. Only time removes alcohol.
• Riding a snowmobile home after drinking. Impaired operation is still a crime.
• Driving with a supervisor who has been drinking. Choose a sober supervisor.

Test yourself: Impaired driving laws in Nunavut

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Nunavut impaired driving and zero tolerance for new drivers
• Nunavut Restricted Driver’s Licence
• Driving in Iqaluit and Nunavut