Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Impaired driving isn’t just drunk driving. You can be impaired from alcohol, drugs, fatigue, distraction, prescription medication or any of these in combination. Whatever the circumstance, driving a motor vehicle while impaired is illegal. Research shows increased collision risk begins at very low levels of cannabis use and escalates with higher doses. The risk of being in a collision dramatically increases when you combine alcohol and cannabis.
So, plan ahead and prevent impaired driving by:
- Selecting a designated driver.
- Planning to use a taxi/rideshare.
- Calling a friend to pick you up if you’ve had too many.
- Getting plenty of rest.
- Putting your phone or other forms of distraction away while behind the wheel.
Alberta has some of the toughest impaired driving laws in the country, with immediate and severe consequences. If you drive impaired you could face large fines or jail time, have an interlock device in your vehicle for at least a year, and lose your vehicle for up to 30 days.
Quick facts
- Impaired driving applies to any type of motor vehicle including cars, trucks, motorcycles, water vessels, aircraft or railway equipment.
- Impaired driving remains as the largest contributor to fatal and injury collisions on Alberta Roads. In 2023:
- One in 14 drivers involved in a fatal collision was legally impaired at the time of the collision.
- 29 people died and 214 were seriously injured in collisions involving an impaired driver.
- Impaired drivers can face significant administrative penalties at the roadside, including:
- Fines of up to $2,000.
- Immediate 90-day driver’s license suspension, and escalating suspensions (up to lifetime) for repeat offenders.
- Vehicle seizure up to 30 days.
- Mandatory education programs for repeat offenders.
- Mandatory ignition interlock program for repeat offenders.
- These penalties are in addition to any criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Criminal charges may still apply in serious cases (e.g., causing bodily harm or death).
- There is zero tolerance for alcohol- or drug-impaired driving with a graduated driver’s licence and for commercial vehicle drivers.
Related information
- Impaired driving | Alberta.ca
- Preventing impaired driving | Alberta.ca
- Checkstop program | Alberta.ca
- Impaired driving penalties | Alberta.ca
- Ignition interlock programs | Alberta.ca