Restricted Licence Related to a Conviction for Alcohol-Impaired Driving

If you have been convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related offence, your licence will be revoked. During the penalty period, you could be eligible for a restricted licence. With such a licence, you will be required to only drive vehicles equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device.

What is a restricted licence?

There are 2 types of restricted licence:

• the restricted licence related to a conviction for alcohol or drug-impaired driving
• the restricted licence related to an accumulation of demerit points

A restricted licence related to a conviction for alcohol- or drug-impaired driving allows its holder to drive during the penalty period following a licence revocation. This licence comes with very strict rules of conduct that must be followed to the letter.

A restricted licence authorizes its holder to only drive vehicles 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..

You are not eligible for a restricted licence if…

• another penalty appears on your driving record, or a medical assessment has revealed that you suffer from a condition that affects your ability to drive
• you only hold a Class 6 (motorcycle) or Class 4C (taxi) licence
• the revoked licence is a learner's licence

How to apply for a restricted licence

1. Confirm your eligibility by consulting your file on SAAQclic or by calling 1-800-361-7620.
2. Make an appointment at an SAAQ service centre to obtain your new licence and pay the fees. Once you have your licence, you may drive any vehicle that is equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device.
3. Schedule an appointment with the authorized supplier, Smart Start, on its website or by calling 1-844-282-8300.
4. Go to the Smart Start service centre to sign the service agreement and have the alcohol ignition interlock device installed.

Terms and conditions of a restricted licence

• You must drive without any alcohol in your body
• You must follow the maintenance and data collection schedule for the alcohol ignition interlock device as set out in the Smart Start service agreement
• You must follow the instructions on the device's screen
• You must not attempt to circumvent, alter or remove the alcohol ignition interlock device
• You must use the device's emergency function only in the event of serious, unforeseen circumstances
• You must pay the fees for installing and renting the alcohol ignition interlock device

If you fail to abide by these terms and conditions, or operate a vehicle that is not equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device, you are subject to:

• the immediate seizure and impoundment of the vehicle you were driving for 30 or 90 days
• a fine of $1,500.00 to $3,000.00
• the risk that your licence will be revoked
• criminal prosecution if you are arrested during the driving prohibition period provided for under the Criminal Code

Last update: March 13, 2023