Find out about which Ontario drivers must use an ignition interlock device in their vehicles and how the program works.
- Program overview
- Ignition interlock device
- Criminal Code conviction
- Removing the condition for a Criminal Code conviction
- Administrative suspensions
- Penalties
- Cost of an ignition interlock device
- Installation
- For More Information
Program overview
You will be subject to Ontario's Ignition Interlock Program if you are:
- convicted of an impaired driving-related offence under the Criminal Code of Canada
- suspended three or more times within a 10-year period for any combination of:
- driving with a BAC above zero while you are 21 years and under;
- driving with the presence of a drug while you are 21 years and under;
- driving with a BAC above zero while you are a novice driver;
- driving with the presence of a drug while you are a novice driver;
- driving with a BAC above zero while you are a commercial driver operating a commercial vehicle;
- driving with the presence of a drug while you are a commercial driver operating a commercial vehicle;
- driving with a BAC above 0.05 (“warn range”);
- driving with a BAC 0.08 and above (“legal limit”);
- failing or refusing to comply with a demand for alcohol or drug testing; and
- driving impaired by a drug or a combination of a drug and alcohol
If you want to drive after your licence is reinstated, you must have an ignition interlock device installed. You will need to register with an approved interlock service provider to have the device installed. It must be inspected regularly by the service provider.
If you choose not to install an interlock device, you must not drive until the condition is removed from your licence.
Eligible drivers convicted for a first-time or second-time alcohol impaired driving-related offence under the Criminal Code may be able to reduce their licence suspension as part of the Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program
Ignition interlock device
An ignition interlock device is an in-car alcohol breath screening device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over a pre-set limit of 0.02 (i.e., 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood). The device is located inside the vehicle, near the driver's seat, and is connected to the engine's ignition system.
How it works
Before you start your vehicle, you need to blow into the device. If your BAC is over the pre-set limit, your vehicle won't start.
Once your vehicle is started, the interlock device will ask you to provide breath samples at random pre-set times while the engine is running. If you don't provide a sample, or if your BAC exceeds the limit, the device will issue a warning, record the event and activate specific alarm systems (e.g. lights flashing, horn honking) until you turn off the ignition.
Criminal Code conviction
Ignition interlock condition
If you have been convicted of an impaired driving-related offence under the Criminal Code, you will be eligible to have your driver's licence reinstated after you serve all the provincial sanctions, including serving a licence suspension, paying the reinstatement fee or administrative monetary penalty and completing the Back on Track remedial program.
You will have an ignition interlock condition ("I") placed on your driver's licence for a period of:
- First-time offenders: minimum of 1 year
- Second-time offenders: minimum of 3 years
- Third-time offenders: minimum of 6 years, if licence is reinstated after a minimum 10-year suspension
The program does not apply to fourth-time offenders, as their licence is suspended for life and will never be reinstated.
Removing the condition for a Criminal Code conviction
You need to apply to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to have the condition removed from your licence. The ministry will mail you a Substance Use Assessment form 6 months before your condition removal date. Take the form to your treating physician, specialist, or nurse practitioner and have it completed in full with all questions answered.
Submit the completed form to the Medical Review Section for review, either by mail or fax to:
Mail: Ministry of Transportation
Medical Review Section
77 Wellesley St. W., Box 589
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3
Fax: 1-800-304-7889 or 416-235-3400
If you have completed the minimum period without any program violations (tampering, driving without, missed appointment with service provider), the ignition interlock condition will be removed.
Violations during the installation period will be reported and will result in extending the amount of time the licence will be subject to an ignition interlock condition.
If you don't apply for removal of the licence condition, it will stay on your licence. As long as the condition stays on your licence, you will only be able to drive vehicles that are equipped with an approved ignition interlock device, or be subject to penalties under the Highway Traffic Act.
Administrative suspensions
Ignition interlock condition
If you were suspended for alcohol and/or drug impaired driving three or more times within a 10-year period, you will have an ignition interlock condition placed on your licence for a minimum of 6 months after you serve your mandatory licence suspension period.
Removing the condition for Administrative suspensions
You don't need to apply to MTO to have the condition removed from your licence.
If you have completed the minimum 6-month period without any program violations, the ignition interlock condition will be removed.
Violations during the installation period will be reported and will result in extending the amount of time the licence will be subject to an ignition interlock condition.
Penalties
When you have an ignition interlock device installed by the service provider, you are required to sign a participant agreement acknowledging the terms and conditions of the installation. Please note that penalties may arise from violating a participant agreement with the service provider. Please contact your service provider for further information regarding terms and conditions.
If you operate a vehicle in violation of an ignition interlock licence condition resulting from an accumulation of three or more administrative suspensions for alcohol and/or drug impaired driving within a 10-year period, your vehicle will be impounded by police for 7 days. You may be subject to further charges under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Highway Traffic Act.
If you drive while your licence is suspended for a Criminal Code related conviction or subject to an ignition interlock condition as a result of a Criminal Code conviction, your vehicle will be impounded for:
- 45 days for a first impoundment
- 90 days for a second impoundment
- 180 days for a third or subsequent impoundment
You may also be charged with a further offence under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Highway Traffic Act.
Drivers convicted of driving without an ignition interlock device or for tampering with the device will face fines under the Highway Traffic Act ranging from:
- $200 - $20,000 for commercial vehicles
- $200 - $1,000 for other motor vehicles
Vehicle owners who knowingly allow a person with an ignition interlock condition to drive their vehicle may also be convicted under the Highway Traffic Act.
Cost of an ignition interlock device
Drivers subject to an ignition interlock condition are responsible for all installation and maintenance costs for the device.
The service provider will provide related information, including fees, when you register for the program. For installation information and costs, please call one of Ontario's approved Service Providers:
- ALCOLOCK Canada Inc. at 1-866-658-6374
- Smart Start Canada ULC at 1-844-432-4776
Installation
For installation and Service Provider location information, please visit:
For More Information
For more information contact the Ministry of Transportation: 1-800-387-3445 or 416-235-2999 or visit Ontario.ca/drivesober.
