Impaired driving means operating a motor vehicle while your abilities have been impaired by taking drugs and/or drinking alcohol. Motor vehicles include cars, trucks, boats, snowmobiles, aircraft and off-road vehicles. Driving impaired by drugs and/or alcohol is not only dangerous, it is illegal and can lead to your arrest, charges, and severe fines and fees.

Zero tolerance for young, novice and commercial drivers

Young, novice and commercial drivers must have zero blood alcohol content (BAC) and zero presence of cannabis or other drugs. This includes:

  • Young drivers who are age 21 and under
  • Novice drivers with G1, G2, M1, or M2 licences of any age
  • Driving vehicles that require an A-F class licence, or a Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR), and road building machines

graphic symbolizing no drive, drugs, alcohol

Detecting and testing for drug and alcohol impaired driving

If a police officer believes you have been impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, you may be arrested and taken to the police station for further testing.

Roadside screening tests

A police officer may give you a roadside screening test. These include a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and an Approved Screening Device (ASD) test. Performing poorly on the SFST test or failing the ASD test may result in immediate licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, arrest and further testing.

Station tests

A breath technician or drug recognition expert will evaluate you at the station. If you fail a test then you may be charged with impaired driving and your vehicle will be impounded for 7 days.