Drink-driving limits in Canada (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The Criminal Code makes it an offence to drive with 80 mg or more of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08%) and allows mandatory roadside alcohol screening. Penalties include fines and up to 10 years in prison. Provinces and territories set their own lower limits and licence rules.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [2] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | Impaired driving or driving with 80 mg or more per 100 ml of blood: on indictment, up to 10 years in prison; on summary conviction, a fine of up to $5,000, up to 2 years less a day in prison, or both. Minimum penalties for a first offence: a $1,000 fine ($1,500 at 120 to under 160 mg, $2,000 at 160 mg or more); 30 days in prison for a second offence; 120 days for each later offence. [3] |
Notes
- This is the Criminal Code limit for the whole country. Provinces and territories set their own rules on lower limits and licence sanctions; these are not covered here.
- Lower limits for novice and professional drivers are set by provinces and territories. There is no national rule.
- Officers need no reasonable suspicion to demand a roadside breath screening test under section 320.27(2).
- Offences causing bodily harm or death are covered by other provisions that are not shown here.
Sources
- Department of Justice Canada: Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), section 320.14 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Department of Justice Canada: Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), section 320.27 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Department of Justice Canada: Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), section 320.19 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
Canada: rules by state or province
| Province or territory | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 0.05% (3-day suspension) | Zero; 30-day suspension | Zero; 3-day suspension | — | Lifetime suspension for third FAIL |
| Northwest Territories | 0.05% (24-hour suspension) | Zero (novice, under 22) | Zero (certain commercial drivers) | — | 90-day suspension at 0.08+ |
| Ontario | 0.05% (7-day suspension) | Zero if 21 or under or G1/G2/M1/M2 | Zero; 3-day suspension | — | 90-day suspension; $550 penalty |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.