Alberta Government

Location: Government of Alberta > Infrastructure & Transportation > Transportation Safety Board >  iiprogram.htm

IGNITION INTERLOCK PROGRAM

What is the Ignition Interlock program?

The Ignition Interlock Program allows individuals who have lost their operator's licence through an impaired driving conviction an opportunity to gain conditional driving privileges.  Certain restrictions apply and there are specific eligibility criteria.  The Ignition Interlock Program is administered by the Alberta Transportation Safety Board (Board).

How does the program work?

Drivers who meet the Ignition Interlock Program criteria can have an alcohol sensing device attached to their vehicle ignition system. Please refer to the Ignition Interlock Participant Guide (pdf 25K) for some important information about the program.

The driver is prevented from starting and/or driving his/her vehicle if the device detects a level of alcohol.  All program activity is recorded and monitored.

Warnings are issued by the Board to drivers who register a "fail" or "warn" when attempting to start their vehicle.  A driver registering frequent fails or warns, or inappropriate use or handling of the Ignition Interlock device may be requested to appear before the Board to review their participation in the program.

Ignition Interlock Program Criteria

  • Only drivers convicted under sections 253 or 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada can apply.  Drivers convicted of impaired driving causing injury or death are not eligible to apply to the Ignition Interlock Program.
  • The driver must have served the Court-ordered driving prohibition period.
  • The Court order must authorize the driver to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program.
  • The driver must be a resident of Alberta and eligible for a Restricted Operator’s Licence.
  • If the driver is a first time offender, he/she must take the "Planning Ahead" course.
  • If the driver is a repeat offender, he/she must take the "Impact" course and attend a hearing in person, with the Board.
  • The driver must have served all other non-alcohol related suspensions such as driving while a licence is suspended, and have paid all overdue motor vehicle fines.
  • The driver must participate in the program a minimum of six (6) months.
  • The driver's servicing reports covering the final three (3) months of the program must be clear of warn or fail readings to be approved for exit from the program.

Program costs

  • One-time cost of $125.00 (plus GST) for installation and $25.00 (plus GST) for removal of the ignition interlock device.
  • A $95.00 (plus GST) per month rental fee for the device.
  • An application fee of $63 and Registry Agent fee.
  • $150 for the "Planning Ahead" course, or $375 for the "Impact" course.   
  • The fee for a restricted operator's licence and road test.

Consequences for not abiding by the rules

All Ignition Interlock Program activity is recorded and monitored. Attempting to drive after drinking may result in the Board extending the time in the program and/or a referral for alcohol treatment or counseling. Any participant who attempts to cheat or bypass the ignition interlock device, who has his/her licence suspended or cancelled, or who is charged with any driving-related Criminal Code offence may be immediately removed from the program.