Was stopped in Toronto for driving while impaired? Don’t know how it would influence you? Find the information about impaired driving in Toronto here!

What does impaired driving mean?

It means driving any motor vehicle, when the operation is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The police officer in Toronto can suspend a driver in impaired driving when there are some evidences of person’s impairment. What can the evidences of impaired driving be? For instance, driving too fast or too slowly, not driving in a straight line etc. The officer can also have some suspicions when hearing a slurred speech or breathing in the alcoholic smell. In all cases above in Toronto you can be asked to go for a breath or blood test. The test will define whether the alcohol in your blood is due to the "legal limit". The legal limit in Toronto means that the concentration of alcohol in your blood should be less than 80 mg in 100 ml of blood.

As a rule, for defining the concentration of alcohol breath test is used in Toronto. In some cases of suspension in impaired driving you can be asked to go for blood test. The first can be done on the roadside or at the Toronto police station. The blood test is done by a doctor. You cannot refuse getting tested. Your refusal will automatically mean that you’re guilty in impaired driving.

What is the punishment for this type of road offense?

For the impaired driving in Toronto the Criminal Code sets minimum penalties. Additionally, the court can set extra-punishments due to circumstances. The summons for impaired driving in Toronto will also influence your driving license. For more detailed information look at the scheme below.

For a first offence

A fine of at least $600;

A prohibition from driving for at least one year and up to three years

For a second offence

At least 14 days in prison;

A prohibition from driving for at least two years and up to five years

For subsequent offences

At least 90 days in prison;

A prohibition from driving for at least three years and up to a lifetime ban

In addition, for impaired driving in Toronto you may be asked to participate in "Back on Track Course" for term, defined by court. One more additional point for this offense can be the installation of an Ignition Interlock System on your car. It is an alcohol screening device. The term of it is also defined by court. Note, that you install it at your own cost. "Back on Track Course" is not for free either. For more information about road offenses and traffic tickets in Toronto look here http://torontotrafficticket.org/