What Happens If You Get a DUI in Canada? (5 things to look)

Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Canada is a serious criminal offence with immediate and long-term consequences. Whether it involves alcohol, drugs, or both, a DUI can lead to license suspension, criminal charges, hefty fines, and even jail time.

Beyond legal penalties, a conviction can result in a criminal record, increased insurance premiums, and mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs. The severity of these consequences depends on various factors, such as the level of impairment and whether it’s a first or repeat offence.

In this article, we’ll explain what happens if you get a DUI in Canada, outlining key penalties and how they can impact your life.

People often wonder if DUI is a criminal offence in Canada. So, what is a DUI charge?

Getting a DUI in Canada means that you have been charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This is a criminal offence in Canada and can result in serious consequences. If convicted, you may face various consequences.

 If you get a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Canada, you may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and previous convictions 

Let’s talk about in details this in regard.

The consequences of a DUI conviction in Canada can be severe and long-lasting. You already learned about some consequences.

Read about them further

1. License Suspension

Your driver’s license can be suspended right away. The province or territory where the charges were brought against you will determine how long the suspension will last.

And, of course, the circumstances of your case will matter too.

For example, in Ontario, a first-time offender for DUI charges may have their license suspended for 90 days. Repeat offenders can face a suspension of up to 2 years.

In Alberta, the suspension period for a first-time offender can range from 24 ho urs to 3 months. On the other hand, a repeat offender might face a suspension of up to 2 years.

It’s important to note that license suspension for a DUI is separate from any criminal charges that may result from the same incident.

And a license suspension is an administrative penalty that the provincial government imposes. Conversely, criminal charges are a matter for the courts to decide.

Learn more about criminal charges in the next section.

What is the punishment for DUI? Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Canada and carries harsh penalties:

Fines

First-time offenders can face fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.  Repeat offenders can face higher fines, as well as other penalties such as imprisonment and license suspension.

Imprisonment

Can you go to jail for a DUI in Canada? In general, a first-time offender may face a jail term of up to five years. Nevertheless, this can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

And Repeat offenders or those involved in serious accidents while driving under the influence may face longer jail terms, up to 10 years in some cases

A criminal record

A DUI conviction is permanently recorded on a person’s criminal history. However, when a specified amount of time has passed, several provinces and territories offer procedures for people to seek a record suspension.

For example, in Ontario, individuals may apply for a record suspension 5 years after completing their sentence for a summary conviction offence (less serious offences). And 10 years for an indictable conviction (more serious offences).

Then again, in British Columbia, individuals must wait 10 years from the completion of their sentence to apply for a record suspension.

Also Read: How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Driving Record in Canada

Getting a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can increase a person’s car insurance premiums in Canada.

Insurance companies use a person’s driving record, including any convictions for traffic offences such as DUI. This way, they determine the risk of insuring them.

A DUI conviction is considered a high-risk driving behavior. Also, you can see that it can result in higher insurance premiums for several years.

The amount of the increase can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific circumstances of the case.

But on average, a DUI conviction can result in a 50% to 100% increase in insurance premiums.

Along with that, individuals convicted of DUI may also face increased costs for other types of insurance, such as life insurance or travel insurance.

Whether a person is required to take alcohol education and treatment programs as part of a sentence depends on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case.

In some provinces and territories, individuals convicted of DUI may be required to participate in alcohol education and treatment programs as a condition of their sentence.

For example, in Ontario, individuals convicted of impaired driving might have to participate in an alcohol education and treatment program as part of their sentence.

In other provinces and territories, participation in alcohol education and treatment programs may be optional.

But it may still be recommended by a judge as a way to address the underlying issues that led to the DUI conviction.

Note that even if participation in alcohol education and treatment programs is not required as part of a sentence, individuals may still be required to undergo an alcohol assessment or treatment program as a condition of having their license reinstated after a suspension.

Having a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can create difficulties when traveling, both within Canada and internationally.

In addition, some Canadian provinces and territories have reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions that allow for the suspension of a license. Therefore, if the person has a DUI conviction on their record from another province or territory, they will not be permitted to enter their chosen jurisdiction.

A DUI conviction may prevent someone from entering certain nations when traveling abroad.

For persons with a criminal history, including DUI convictions, some nations, including the United States, impose strict entrance criteria. People might need to seek a specific waiver in these circumstances in order to enter the nation.

Even if a person is able to enter a foreign country with a DUI conviction, their criminal record may still cause difficulties when crossing international borders.

For example, there will be increased scrutiny from border officials or difficulties obtaining visas for travel to other countries in the future.

It’s important to note that the specific difficulties that a person may face when traveling with a DUI conviction will depend on the country they are visiting and the specific circumstances of their case.

If you are involved in a driving under the influence (DUI) case in Canada, there are several steps you can take.

You can cooperate with law enforcement. If the police stop you, it is important to remain calm and cooperate with their investigation. Refusing to cooperate can result in additional charges.

If the officer files a case against you, preparing for court is the next step. Your lawyer can advise you on what to expect in court and help you prepare for your hearing. And this may include gathering evidence, preparing witness statements, and negotiating with the prosecution.

Other than this, you can consider entering into a plea agreement and complying with any conditions of your sentence depending on the circumstances of your case.

Above all else, keep in mind that DUI cases can be complicated, and the particular actions you should take will depend on the jurisdiction and the details of your case.

The best approach to ensure that your rights are upheld and that your case has the best outcome possible is to consult with an experienced DUI lawyer.