Reacquiring or Reinstating a Licence

The SAAQ agrees to issue me a licence with Condition X

Step 1 – Receiving a letter from the SAAQ

At the end of your penalty period, you will receive a letter notifying you of our decision to grant you a licence with Condition X. This condition, which requires you to only drive a vehicle that is equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock deviceA device that prevents a vehicle from starting when it detects the presence of alcohol in the driver’s body., will be in effect for 3 years or for life, depending on the nature of the first offence of which you were convicted.

Mandatory period during which you can only drive vehicles that are equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device (Condition X)

First offence: Blood alcohol concentration above 80 mg but not exceeding 160 mg	Second offence: Refusing to obey the order of a peace officer Alcohol ignition interlock device for 3 years
First offence: Blood alcohol concentration above 160 mg	Second offence: Refusing to obey the order of a peace officer Alcohol ignition interlock device for life
First offence: Refusing to obey the order of a peace officer	Second offence: Refusing to obey the order of a peace officer Alcohol ignition interlock device for life

Step 2 – Leasing and installing an alcohol ignition interlock device

You are required to lease an alcohol ignition interlock device and have it installed, at your expense and in accordance with our requirements.

If your licence bears Condition I or Condition X

… and you drive a vehicle that is not equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device, you are liable to:

• the immediate seizure and impoundment of the vehicle you are driving for 30 or 90 days
• a fine of $1,500.00 to $3,000.00
• a 3-month licence suspension or the revocation of your licence

Step 3 – Withdrawing Condition X after the 3-year period has ended

If your first offence leads to a conviction for driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mg but not exceeding 160 mg, we will send you a letter 20 days before the end of the mandatory period indicating the procedure to have Condition X withdrawn from your licence.

Last update: May 13, 2022