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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Consequences of Drinking and Driving
  3. Penalties
  4. Alcohol Education and Treatment Programs: Back On Track
  5. What It Could Cost You
  6. Ignition Interlock
    1. Introduction
    2. What is it?
    3. How does it work?
    4. How does Ontario’s program work?
    5. Who is required to have the device installed?
    6. Ignition Interlock and "Warn Range"Licence Suspensions
    7. How is the licence condition removed?
    8. Penalties for not complying
    9. Who pays the cost?
    10. How can I have device installed?
    11. For More Information
  7. Impaired Driving Programs and Campaigns

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Impaired Driving

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Ignition Interlock Program

Photo of driver blowing into Ignition Interlock device

There are about 13,000 drinking and driving convictions recorded annually in Ontario. Approximately eighty per cent of convicted drinking drivers are first-time offenders.

Ontario's measures to combat drinking and driving include increased suspension periods for repeat offenders, a mandatory assessment and education or treatment program, increased fines and vehicle impoundment for those who continue to drive while suspended, and an Ignition Interlock program.

Drivers will be subject to Ontario's Ignition Interlock Program if they are:

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What is an 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 .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.

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How does an ignition interlock device work?

Before starting the vehicle, a driver must blow into the device. If the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the pre-set limit, the vehicle will not start.

Once the vehicle is started, the interlock device requires the driver to provide breath samples at random pre-set times while the engine is running. If a sample is not provided, or if the BAC exceeds the limit, the device will issue a warning, record the event and activate specific alarm systems (e.g., lights flashing, horn honking, etc.), until the ignition is turned off.

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How does Ontario's Ignition Interlock Program work?

Drivers will be subject to Ontario's Ignition Interlock Program if they are:

NEW - MAY 1, 2009 - Ignition Interlock and "Warn Range" Licence Suspensions

As of May 1, 2009, Ontario has targeted measures to help take more drinking drivers off the roads. Drivers who register a BAC from 0.05 to 0.08 (known as the "warn range") lose their licence at roadside for 3, 7 or 30 days. Consequences also get tougher for repeat occurrences. Drivers who receive a 30-day licence suspension will also automatically have an ignition interlock condition placed on their licence for six months.

After serving the provincial sanctions, including licence suspensions and a mandatory remedial program, all drivers convicted of drinking and driving offences that are eligible to have their driver's licence reinstated will have an ignition interlock condition ("I") placed on their Ontario driver's licence:

  • First-time offenders will have an ignition interlock condition on their licence for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Second-time offenders will have the condition for a minimum of 3 years.
  • Third-time offenders will have the condition on their licence indefinitely if it is reinstated after a minimum 10-year suspension.

The program does not apply to fourth-time offenders, as their licence will never be reinstated. Drivers who are suspended for registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 to 0.08 three or more times in a five-year period will have an ignition interlock condition placed on their licence for six months after serving their 30 day licence suspension.

Drivers who choose to drive while their licence is subject to an ignition interlock condition must register with an approved interlock service provider to have the ignition interlock device installed. The device must be inspected regularly by the service provider.

Drivers who choose not to install an interlock device must not drive until the condition is removed from their licence.

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Who is required to have the device installed?

Photo of driver holding Ignition Interlock device

Drivers that are:

must have the ignition interlock device installed after their licence is reinstated if they want to drive. Individuals can choose not to drive until the ignition interlock condition is removed from their licence.

The device is not removable (it is connected to the engine's ignition system) and must be used by anyone who drives the vehicle, including family and friends.

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How is the licence condition removed?

An application form to have the condition removed will be mailed to drivers 15 days prior to their condition removal date. Drivers may also complete an application form at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office

Convicted Impaired Drivers

Drivers convicted of impaired driving must apply to the Ministry of Transportation to have the condition removed from his or her licence.

If the driver has completed the minimum period (one year for a first offence or three years for a second offence) without any program violations (tampering/driving without/missed appointment with service provider), the ignition interlock condition will be removed.

Third-time offenders will have the condition on their licence indefinitely if it is reinstated after a minimum 10-year suspension.

Removal does not apply to fourth-time offenders, as their licence will never be reinstated.

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 the driver does not apply for removal of the licence condition, it will remain on the licence. As long as the condition remains on the licence, the driver 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.

Drivers Suspended for Registering in the "Warn Range" (effective May 1, 2009)

Drivers who are suspended for registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 to 0.08 three or more times in a five-year period do not need to apply to the Ministry of Transportation to have the condition removed from your licence.

If the driver has completed the minimum 6-month 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.

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What are the penalties for not complying with the ignition interlock program?

Drivers who have ignition interlock device installed by the service provider are required to sign a participant agreement acknowledging the terms and conditions of the installation.

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

Ignition interlock violations for tampering or driving without a device will be reported to the Ministry of Transportation. This includes Highway Traffic Act convictions and reports of tampering from the service provider. Program violations will affect the amount of time the condition remains on the licence.

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.

You can check if a driver has an ignition interlock condition on his or her licence by contacting the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) at 1-900-565-6555 ($2.50 per check) or accessing MTO's website - Driver Licence Check ($2.00 per check).

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Who pays the 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 a driver registers for the program. For installation information and costs, please call:

Guardian Interlock Systems 1-866-OK-TO-DRIVE or 1-866-658-6374.

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Who do I contact to have an ignition interlock device installed?

For installation, please call Guardian Interlock Systems:
1-866-OK-TO-DRIVE or 1-866-658-6374

For More Information

For more information contact the Ministry of Transportation: 1-800-387-3445 or 416-235-2999 or click on Ontario.ca/drivesober

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