Drink-driving limits in Northwest Territories (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: In the Northwest Territories a blood alcohol level of 0.05% or more brings a 24-hour suspension, rising to 30 days for repeat offences, and 0.08% or more brings a 90-day suspension. Novice drivers, drivers under 22 and certain commercial drivers must have no alcohol.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.05 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Novice drivers and drivers under 22 must have no drugs or alcohol in their system. Any presence results in a licence suspension (length not stated on the page). [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Certain commercial drivers must have no drugs or alcohol in their system. Any presence results in a licence suspension (which commercial drivers, and the length, are not stated on the page). [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | Blood alcohol of .08% or more results in a 90-day suspension. At .05% or more: 24-hour suspension, rising to 30 days for repeated offences. [1] |
Notes
- Criminal Code limit (0.08%) applies nationally. This figure is the level at which provincial administrative sanctions begin; it is not a Criminal Code offence threshold.
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories (Infrastructure): Impaired Driving (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Canada and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Canada
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | 0.08 % blood alcohol (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicion | Yes (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Maximum penalties | 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. (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
Northwest Territories and neighbouring provinces and territories
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Territories | 0.05% (24-hour suspension) | Zero (novice, under 22) | Zero (certain commercial drivers) | — | 90-day suspension at 0.08+ |
| Alberta | 0.05% (3-day suspension) | Zero; 30-day suspension | Zero; 3-day suspension | — | Lifetime suspension for third FAIL |
More rules in Northwest Territories
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5P, after a year as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15, with a supervisor (24 months' experience)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: No minimum (12 advised)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No, unless the Fire Marshal authorises
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.20 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.