Impaired driving laws in Ontario

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state who must have zero alcohol and zero drugs when driving in Ontario.
• You can explain the warn range and the penalties for being in it.
• You can describe what police can require at the roadside.
• You can plan a safe way home that does not involve impaired driving.

What you need to know and understand

• Zero tolerance for alcohol and cannabis applies to drivers aged 21 or under and to all G1, G2, M1 and M2 holders of any age.
• The warn range is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to 0.079.
• A first warn-range occurrence brings a 7-day immediate suspension, an education course and a $250 penalty.
• A BAC of 0.08 or more, or failing or refusing a test, brings an immediate 90-day suspension and a 7-day vehicle impoundment.
• Police can demand breath samples, physical coordination tests, a drug evaluation and oral fluid, urine or blood samples.
• Impaired driving laws also cover boats, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles.

Roadside penalties at a glance

Ontario's administrative penalties start the moment police find you over a limit, separate from any criminal case.

• Warn range (0.05 to 0.079) or failing a standard field sobriety test, first time: 7-day suspension, 8-hour education course, $250 penalty.
• Second time: 14-day suspension, 16-hour treatment program, $350 penalty.
• Third time: 30-day suspension, treatment program, six months with an ignition interlock condition, $450 penalty.
• 0.08 or more, or refusing a demand: immediate 90-day suspension, 7-day impoundment, education or treatment program, $550 penalty.
• A reinstatement fee is charged every time your licence is suspended.

If you are convicted in court

A first criminal impaired driving conviction brings a licence suspension of at least one year, a mandatory education or treatment program and an ignition interlock device for at least one year. Repeat convictions bring much longer suspensions, up to a lifetime ban. Impaired driving causing bodily harm can bring up to 14 years in prison, and causing death can bring life imprisonment. Some of these penalties changed on July 1, 2026, so check the Ontario government's impaired driving page for the latest version.

Planning ahead

You do not have to be driving to be charged; being impaired behind the wheel is enough. Medicines, including some over-the-counter cold and allergy products, can also impair you. Before a night out, choose a designated driver, take transit, book a taxi or ride share, call a friend or family member, or stay over. Our guides on Ontario demerit points for new drivers and on stunt, distracted and careless driving cover related penalties.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a full G at 20 means you can have one drink. The zero rule lasts until you turn 22.
• Driving the morning after heavy drinking. Alcohol can still be in your blood.
• Believing cannabis is treated more lightly. Penalties are the same as for alcohol impairment.
• Sitting in the driver's seat to 'sleep it off'. You can be charged even if the car is not moving.

Test yourself: Impaired driving laws in Ontario

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

Go deeper

• Ontario Demerit Points for New Drivers and Escalating Sanctions
• Ontario Stunt, Distracted and Careless Driving Penalties
• Ontario Highway Driving Tips for G2 Drivers