Impaired driving
- In 2005 alcohol was a contributing factor in over 28 per cent of all police reported motor vehicle fatal collisions;
- 126 people were killed in alcohol-related collisions
- Approximately 3,400 people were injured.
Most British Columbians agree that drinking driving is a serious problem. But many drivers also believe that a "small" amount of alcohol does not impair their driving ability. This is simply not true. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your driving ability. ICBC's current TV and radio ads have the theme of "Excuses", when will you stop making excuses for drinking and driving.
See/hear the latest CounterAttack TV and radio ads:
TV ads:
Radio ads:
See campaign posters:
If you were caught drinking and driving...
After getting pulled over, you could:
- Be prohibited from driving for 24 hours
- Have your vehicle impounded for 24 hours if it was suspected your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or other substances. You wouldn't need to be over the legal limit.
- Be asked to provide a breath sample into a roadside screening device, or a breathalyzer at the police station.
If you failed the breathalyzer, or refused to provide a sample, you would be served with an Administrative Driving Prohibition notice and prohibited from driving for 90 days. You could also be charged with a Criminal Code offence.
If convicted of a Criminal Code offence, you:
- Would be prohibited from driving for at least a year. (If you had previous convictions, your licence would be suspended for three years.)
- Would have to take a drinking driver rehabilitation program before you could get your driver's licence back.
- Might need to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car.
If you drove while prohibited or suspended, your car could be impounded for a minimum of 60 days. You would also be subject to a $500 fine, jail time, and more driving prohibitions.
Drinking and Driving Penalties (PDF)
Penalties - Fact sheets from the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles
Facts about drinking and driving
Learn the facts about drinking and driving (PDF)
* Police (TAS) Traffic Accident System data (2005 fatality count is not fixed. Fatality data continues to settle over time).
Designated driving