Penalties and Costs for Impaired Driving

If you drive while impaired, you could be subject to stiff penalties under the Highway Safety Code and the Criminal Code.

• This webpage summarizes the penalties. For full details, consult the Highway Safety Code, the Criminal Code or the website educaloi.qc.ca/en⁠ ⁠.
• Penalties may differ depending on the person’s situation.

First offence

Penalties (depending on the situation)

	Highway Safety Code	Criminal Code
Upon arrest	Immediate licence suspension: 24 hours or 90 days Immediate vehicle seizure and impoundment: 30 days
Upon conviction	Revocation of your driver’s licence or suspension of your right to obtain one for one or three years Program to assess and reduce the risk of impaired driving⁠⁠ ⁠ (PERRCCA)(website in French only) Alcofrein program Mandatory alcohol ignition interlock device (variable duration)	Criminal record Licence revocation Mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 Prohibition from driving for a minimum one-year period (may be imposed later)

Costs related to a first offence

• $5,000 minimum, in addition to unquantifiable inconveniences and variable costs, such as:
  • a criminal record
  • lawyer's fees
  • costs related to the use of an alcohol ignition interlock device (which vary depending on the duration)
  • increased personal automobile insurance premiums
  • other costs such as court fees, crime victim’s compensation plan contributions (IVAC), etc.