TORONTO, June 30, 2026 – Ontario will further strengthen penalties for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving beginning July 1. Any driver criminally convicted for an impaired driving offence committed on or after July 1 will be required to install an ignition interlock device. After completing the interlock requirement, the driver will also face a six-month zero-tolerance condition. Anyone who drives with alcohol or specified drugs in their system during that restricted period may face additional licence penalties.
An ignition interlock device is connected to a vehicle’s ignition system. The driver must provide an acceptable breath sample before the vehicle can start. While the vehicle is being driven, the device may also require additional breath samples to confirm that the driver has not consumed alcohol.
Previously, not every person convicted of a first impaired driving offence was required to use an ignition interlock device. Under the new rules, the mandatory requirement will be expanded to everyone convicted of a related criminal driving offence.
Under Ontario’s current rules, a driver convicted of a first criminal impaired driving offence is generally required to install and use an ignition interlock device for at least one year. A second conviction within 10 years generally requires at least three years, while a third conviction generally requires at least six years. The actual period may also depend on the licence suspension, participation in a reduced suspension program and the circumstances of the individual case.
The new six-month zero-tolerance condition will begin after the driver completes the ignition interlock requirement. During this period, even after the driver has returned to a regular licence, they cannot drive with any alcohol or specified controlled drugs in their system.
The province said the new measure is intended to reduce the risk of repeat impaired driving and prevent drivers from immediately returning to ordinary alcohol limits after completing an ignition interlock program.
The new rules apply to related offences committed on or after July 1, rather than being based only on the date of the court conviction. Cases involving conduct that occurred before July 1 may still be handled under the previous system.
In addition to the ignition interlock requirement, a criminal impaired driving conviction may result in a licence suspension, education or treatment programs, vehicle-related costs, fines and a criminal record. Drivers are generally responsible for the cost of installing, leasing, maintaining and testing the device.
When the vehicle is owned by someone other than the driver, both the owner and the driver should confirm insurance requirements, installation arrangements and conditions of vehicle use. Driving a vehicle without the required device, or one that does not have an approved ignition interlock system, may violate the conditions for licence reinstatement.
The province reminds residents to arrange public transit, a taxi, a ride-hailing service, a designated driver or overnight accommodation before consuming alcohol or taking medication that could impair driving. Drivers should not rely on how they feel to decide whether they are safe to drive.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
