This holiday season, plan a safe ride home.
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON … drivers are reminded to aim for zero when behind the wheel … new warn range sanctions mean that drivers with a BAC from .05 to .08. face immediate suspension of 3 to 30 days and other consequences like alcohol education and treatment, and ignition interlock conditions.

over .08? ... "Don't drive until 2012".
Sample dates regarding an over .08 charge and the road back to being legally licensed in Ontario for a first-time offender who causes no harm to him/herself or others and no property damage. A second offender would face a three-year "hard suspension" and then a three-year interlock restriction on their licence, and other consequences.

SAMPLE DATES are based on an average of several jurisdictions and will vary depending on the court availability in your area.  Charged with “over .08” December 12th 2009 (no collision or property damage, no other charges, not high BAC, etc. )

• Immediate 90-day licence suspension (until March 12th 2010)
• Plea guilty ASAP – likely date January 18th 2010 (licence suspended until January 2011)
  February 2010 – apply to take Back on Track – begins with Assessment – assignment to course: 8 hour or 16 hour. Complete course meeting program requirements by July 2010. Have six-month follow up interview by February 2011 – get certificate confirming completion of course.
• Communicate with Ministry to get licence back. Receive valid interlock restricted licence ("condition i" licence) by end of March 2011. Arrange for ignition interlock to be installed in vehicle (one week?)
• Drive without incident for one year - until March 2012 – apply to have interlock restriction removed.

Minimum Costs:

• Fine $1,000 (federal)
• Back on Track $578 + GST
• Ignition Interlock $1,350
• Administrative Monetary Penalty $150
• Insurance - increase of $15,000 ($5,000 annually for three years)
• Legal Counsel (paid to your lawyer) $_________

Other Consequences:

• Criminal Record
• Can't drive for work
• Increased insurance premium for three years
• Down graded from 6-star driving record for total of 6 years