Essential Facts Concerning Impaired Driving Penalties In Canada

Impaired driving penalties in Canada should never need to be used, given the widespread public knowledge about the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The law imposes harsh fines, suspension of privileges, and even imprisonment for those who fail to exercise sound judgment in this area. Unfortunately, many people still choose to engage in this behavior. For those who do, it is useful to understand exactly why the laws exist and the danger that this conduct represents.

Why the laws exist

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that people just cannot drive safely while they are in a state of drunkenness. Blurred vision, poor reaction times, and a general inability to control basic motor functions make these people a danger to everyone when they get behind the wheel of a car. Drug use is no better in this regard, as it can produce the same type of disorientation that alcohol causes. Drivers who are under the influence of either might as well be launching a missile at others on the road.

Still, many drivers are shocked to learn that it only takes one beer or other alcoholic drink to cause this impairment. Even a little alcohol can reduce clear vision, slow reflexes, and inhibit sound decisions. Even worse, many people lose all sense of their own capabilities as soon as they take that first drink, and soon end up completely impaired before they even realize that they are drink.

As for drug impairment, the illegal drugs are not the only concern. Prescription medications often contain strong concentrations of ingredients that directly affect motor skills and judgment. It is just as easy for someone high on medication to pose a danger to others on the road as it is for a drunk driver. Even seemingly harmless non-prescription medications can make a driver sleepy and inattentive.

Legal sanctions

When drivers choose to drive in an impaired state, the law has ways of dealing with them. Breath tests are administered to anyone who is pulled over, and licenses get suspended if the concentration of alcohol in the blood is greater than . 08%.

Beyond that, these drivers can have their cars sent to impound for up to seven days at the officer’s discretion. There is no appeal in those instances. Many times, an ignition interlock restriction will be placed on the driver’s license, and he will also be fined, ordered to undergo classes for alcohol abuse, and possible entered into a treatment program.

Novice drivers and those under the age of twenty-one have even less latitude. Novices who are fond with any alcohol in their system face the threat of having their novice license completely revoked. For those below the age of twenty-one, blood alcohol must be below . 05% to avoid legal impairment.

Staying on the right side of the law

Obviously, it does not pay to drink and drive. When drivers are drinking, they should always find someone sober to drive them to any destination. Since these convictions remain on a driver’s record for a full decade, they are not something to be taken lightly. Fortunately, people who drink responsibly and make the proper arrangements can ensure that the impaired driving penalties in Canada will never directly affect them.

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