Impaired Driving

Ignition Interlock Program

The Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program will allow eligible drivers convicted for a first time of an alcohol-impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code on or after August 3, 2010 to reduce their licence suspension in return for meeting specific requirements, such as the mandatory installation of an approved ignition interlock device in their vehicle.  Program participants must abide by the program's conditions and requirements for ignition interlock installation and use.  More details on the new program are available here.

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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:

• convicted of an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code of Canada
• suspended for registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 to 0.08 three or more times in a five-year period.

After serving the provincial sanctions, including licence suspensions and a mandatory remedial measures 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?

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How is the licence condition removed?

Convicted Impaired Drivers

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

If the driver has completed the minimum 6-month period without any program violations (tampering with the interlock device, driving a vehicle without one installed, or missing an appointment with the interlock 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 an ignition interlock installed by the service provider are required to sign a participant agreement acknowledging the terms and conditions of the installation.

Drivers who operate a motor vehicle in violation of an ignition interlock licence condition, will have their vehicle impounded by police for a period of 7 days and may be subject to further charges under the Criminal Code (Canada) (CCC) or Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Those who drive while their licence is suspended for a CCC conviction, will have their vehicle impounded for a period of 45 days for a first impoundment, 90 days for a second impoundment and 180 days for a third or subsequent impoundment, and may be charged with a further offence under the CCC or HTA.

Ignition Interlock violations for tampering, missed appointments 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 increase the amount of time the condition remains on the licence.

Drivers convicted of driving without an ignition interlock or for tampering with the device will face fines under the Highway Traffic Act ranging from:

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.

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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.

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

TORONTO	Guardian Interlock Service 60 International Blvd Toronto, Ontario M9W 6J2 Phone: 1.416.619.3500 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
BARRIE	1 King Street Barrie, Ontario L4N 6B5 Phone: 1.705.726.6914 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
CHATHAM	Speedy Glass 258 Grand Ave. W. Chatham, Ontario N7L 1C1 Phone: 1.519.354.1831 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monitoring appointments only- no installations or removals)
GODERICH	Speedy Glass 356 Bayfield Road Goderich, Ontario N7A 4E7 Phone: 1.519.524.2136 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monitoring appointments only- no installations or removals)
KINGSTON	Speedy Glass 940 Gardiner’s Road Kingston, Ontario K7M 3X9 Phone: 1.613.384.0946 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
KITCHENER	Speedy Glass 652 Fairway Street South Kitchener, Ontario N2C 1X3 Phone: 1.519.893.4059 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
LONDON	Speedy Glass 779 Wonderland Road North London, Ontario N6H 4L1 Phone: 1.519.455.0159 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
MISSISSAUGA	Speedy Glass 6400 Millcreek Drive Mississauga, Ontario L5N 3E7 Phone: 1.905.812.0262 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
NEWMARKET	Speedy Glass 16995 Yonge St Unit 6 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 5Y1 Phone: 1.905.895.4900 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monitoring appointments only- no installations or removals)
OAKVILLE	Speedy Glass 291 Speers Rd. Oakville, Ontario L6K 2G1 Phone: 1.905.845.1626 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
OTTAWA	Speedy Glass 1160B Heron Road Ottawa, Ontario K1V 6B2 Phone: 1.613.748.0955 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
OWEN SOUND	Steve Jobin & Sons Truck and Auto Repair 203580 Hwy 26 RR# 8 Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 1E2 Phone: 519.376.6829 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
PETERBOROUGH	Speedy Glass 779 Erskine Ave. Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5V1 Phone: 1.705.927.3671 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
SARNIA	Speedy Glass 1335 Confederation Street Sarnia, Ontario Phone: 1.519.344.8897 Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm (Monitoring appointments only- no installations or removals)
SAULT STE. MARIE	Speedy Glass 426 Great Northern Road Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 4Z9 Phone: 1.705.254.6802 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monitoring appointments only- no installations or removals)
SCARBOROUGH	Speedy Glass 1371 Kennedy Road Scarborough, Ontario M1P 2L7 Phone: 1.416.755.4054 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
ST. CATHARINES	Speedy Glass 350 Ontario Street Unit 8 St.Catharines, Ontario L2R 5L8 Phone: 1.905.688.9406 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
STRATFORD	Speedy Glass 651 Erie Street Stratford, Ontario N5A 2N9 Phone: 1.519.273.1951 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monitoring appointments only- no installations or removals)
SUDBURY	Speedy Glass 1362 Kingsway Sudbury, Ontario P3B 0A3 Phone: 1.705.566.5392 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
THUNDER BAY	Apple Auto Glass 111 North Vickers Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 4A9 Phone: 1.807.623.7700 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
TIMMINS	Speedy Glass 442 Algonquin Blvd. W. Timmins, Ontario P4N 7N3 Phone: 1.705.267.1160 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
WINDSOR	Speedy Glass 2890 Walker Road Windsor, Ontario N8W 3R1 Phone: 1.519.966.3511 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

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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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