Impaired driving has consequences
On this page
Every year, an average of 61 people are killed in BC where impairment by alcohol, drugs or medication* was a contributing factor.
(Source: ICBC 5 year average 2018-2022)
You can prevent impaired driving. If you plan to drink alcohol or consume drugs of any kind, plan alternative transportation in advance. Remember: The effects of alcohol and drugs that make you a dangerous driver also affect your ability to make good decisions.
Facts
- In B.C. it is illegal to consume alcohol in a vehicle.
- The legal drinking age in B.C. is 19 and it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors.
- Mandatory Alcohol Screening has been the law since 2018. If you are operating a vehicle you must provide a breath sample upon request from police. Police do not have to believe that you have consumed alcohol to make a demand.
Consequences
The Criminal Code prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while their ability is impaired by alcohol and/or a drug and/or if their blood/alcohol concentration is over 80mgs%.
B.C. laws also prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
You can still lose your driving privileges if your blood/alcohol concentration is just over 50mgs%.
- 50 to 59 mgs% is grounds for a 24 Hour driving prohibition
- 60 to 99 mgs% is grounds for a minimum 72 hour driving prohibition, but that length increases on all subsequent driving prohibitions if you have tested over 60 mgs% already in the past.
Impaired driving is an arrestable offence. If arrested, you may find yourself in jail until you are sober, can be safely released to a responsible person, or taken in front of a judge.
- Date modified: