Getting back on the road safely

Early reinstatement of driving privileges

Drivers who complete addiction screening and the required education or recovery program have an opportunity for early reinstatement of driving privileges in the form of a special driver’s licence:

• Ignition interlock special restricted driver’s licence
• Highway Traffic Board special restricted driver’s licence
• Provisional licence

These options are issued on the provision that you do not drink and drive.

Ignition interlock special restricted driver’s licence

An ignition interlock special restricted driver’s licence allows you to operate only vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device.

You’re eligible for an ignition interlock device if:

• your conviction was for impaired driving, driving while over .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or refusing a breath test
• you’ve completed the addiction screening and prescribed program

The interlock remains on the vehicle until the ignition interlock suspension period ends. For more information, see the Ignition Interlock Program page.

Highway Traffic Board special restricted driver’s licence

A restricted driver’s licence limits when and where you can drive. You may be granted the licence if you demonstrate that:

• the licence suspension would cause you exceptional hardship
• allowing for a restricted licence would not be contrary to public interest

You’re eligible to apply to the Highway Traffic Board for a special restricted licence if you have:

• served the entire court-ordered prohibition period
• served less than half of your statutory licence suspension
• completed your education or recovery program

Restricted driving privileges expire once you’ve completed half of your statutory suspension. At that time, you’re eligible for a provisional licence.

Provisional licence

A provisional licence grants you full driving privileges until the end of your original statutory suspension.

As long as no other suspensions exist, you’re eligible for a provisional licence if you have:

• served the entire court-ordered prohibition period
• served half of your statutory licence suspension
• completed your education or recovery program

Full driving privileges are reinstated after the provisional driver’s licence period or after the expiration of the suspension period and completion of the addiction screening and the education or recovery program.

Early reinstatement ineligibility

You are not eligible for a Highway Traffic Board special restricted or provisional driver’s licence if convicted on your first offence for:

• .08 BAC
• impaired driving
• failure to comply with demand

If your second or third conviction is one of the above offences, a Highway Traffic Board special restricted or provisional driver’s licence is available providing the court-ordered prohibition is served in full and the education or recovery program is completed.

Provisional or restricted drivers who drive after consuming any amount of alcohol will have their original driver’s licence suspension period reinstated and be required to attend an addiction screening and prescribed program.