Driver’s Licence Suspensions
Your driver’s licence may be suspended if you’re stopped by law enforcement for any of the following offences:
- a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC)
- impaired driving
- failure to comply with a demand, for example refusing a breath test or Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
- leaving the scene of an accident
- driving while disqualified
- failing to stop for police
The length and terms of the suspension will vary depending on what type of suspension you receive:
- Statutory licence suspensions
- Criminal Code suspensions
- Roadside licence suspensions
- 90-day administrative suspension
Statutory suspensions
Under provincial law, your licence will be suspended if you’re convicted of any of the following offences:
- a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC)
- impaired driving
- failure to comply with a demand, for example refusing a breath test or Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
- dangerous driving
- leaving the scene of an accident
- driving while disqualified
- failing to stop for police
When determining the length of your suspension, previous convictions since the year 2000 are considered. Suspension lengths are as follows:
| Offence |
Length of suspension |
| 1st offence |
1 year |
| 2nd offence |
3 years |
| 3rd offence |
5 years |
Criminal Code Suspensions
Judges are required to impose mandatory court prohibition orders if you’re convicted for any of the following offences:
- .08 blood alcohol content (BAC)
- impaired driving
- failure to comply with a demand
During the prohibition period, federal laws prohibit you from driving any motorized vehicle in a public place. Prohibition periods are as follows:
| Offence |
Length of prohibition period |
| 1st offence |
Minimum 1 year
Maximum 3 years |
| 2nd offence |
Minimum 2 years
Maximum 5 years |
| 3rd offence |
Minimum 3 years
Maximum 3 years + |
Roadside Suspensions
You’ll receive an immediate roadside suspension if you’re caught drinking and driving. The terms of suspension differ depending on the driver.
Experienced drivers
You’re considered an experienced driver if you’ve completed the Graduated Driver’s Licensing program. If you’re caught with a BAC exceeding .04, you’ll automatically face the following driver’s licence suspensions:
| Occurrence |
Consequence |
| 1st occurrence |
Immediate 24-hour roadside suspension
|
| 2nd occurrence |
Immediate 24-hour roadside suspension
Once SGI is notified of the suspension, you’ll receive a notice of a 15-day suspension along with a requirement to complete the Driver Without Impairment (DWI) course within 90 days. |
| Subsequent occurrences |
Immediate 24-hour roadside suspension which is extended to a 90-day suspension
You must complete addiction screening and education or a recovery program before getting your licence back. |
New drivers
You’re considered a new driver if you’re in the Graduated Driver’s Licensing program. If you drive after consuming any amount of alcohol, you’ll automatically face the following driver’s licence suspensions:
| Occurrence |
Consequence |
| 1st occurrence |
Immediate 30-day roadside suspension
You must take a DWI course within 90 days.
|
| Subsequent occurrences |
Immediate 30-day roadside suspension which is extended to a 90-day suspension
You must complete addiction screening and education or a recovery program before getting your licence back. |
Provisional or restricted drivers
If you have a provisional or restricted licence and you drive after consuming any amount of alcohol:
- Your original suspension term may be reinstated.
- You’ll be required to take addiction screening and a recovery program.
All drivers
If you fail or refuse to do a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), you’ll receive an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension. The SFST tests for alcohol or drug impairment and includes a:
- walk and turn test
- 1-leg stand test
- horizontal gaze nystagmus (check for involuntary eye movement)
90-Day Administrative Suspension
You’ll receive an automatic 90-day administrative suspension if you’re charged with:
- driving with a BAC over .08
- refusing a breath test
- refusing to do a SFST
First, you’ll get an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension. If you have a valid driver’s licence, you’ll get a 7-day driving permit. Your 90-day suspension starts when the driving permit ends.
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