Being charged with your first DUI in Ontario is stressful and confusing. Impaired driving laws are strict, and penalties apply whether you are under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Understanding what happens after a first offence will help you prepare and take the right steps toward getting back on the road.
What Happens After a First DUI in Ontario?
If police suspect impairment, they can use roadside screening tools, breathalyzers, or field sobriety tests. Failing or refusing these tests leads to immediate penalties, including:
- Licence suspension (3 to 90 days)
- Fines ranging from $250–$550
- Vehicle impoundment (7 days in some cases)
- Mandatory education or treatment programs
These administrative penalties apply right away even before your court date.
Ontario DUI Penalties: First Offence
Warn Range (BAC 0.05 – 0.079)
If your blood alcohol concentration is in the “warn range,” you may face:
- First offence: 3 day suspension + $250 fine
- Second offence: 7 day suspension + $350 fine + mandatory program
- Third offence: 30 day suspension + $450 fine + 6 months with an ignition interlock device
Impaired Driving (BAC 0.08+ or refusing a test)
More serious penalties apply if you are legally impaired:
- First offence: 90 day suspension, 7-day vehicle impound, $550 fine
- Second offence: Same penalties + mandatory program
- Third offence: Ignition interlock requirement for at least 6 months
Criminal Convictions for Impaired Driving
If you are criminally convicted of impaired driving in Ontario, the consequences increase significantly:
- First conviction: Minimum 1 year licence suspension, mandatory education program, ignition interlock for at least 1 year
- Second conviction: 3 year suspension, medical evaluation, ignition interlock for at least 3 years
- Third conviction: Lifetime suspension (may be reduced after 10 years if eligible), ignition interlock for at least 6 years
- Fourth conviction: Lifetime suspension with no reduction
A conviction also results in a criminal record, which can affect travel, employment, and professional licensing.
Long-Term Consequences of a DUI in Ontario
A first DUI conviction doesn’t just affect your licence. It can also mean:
- Higher insurance rates (often doubling or tripling)
- Difficulty crossing the U.S. border
- Challenges finding employment in regulated industries
- A criminal record that can impact your future
These consequences make it important to comply with all provincial requirements quickly and responsibly.
The Ignition Interlock Program
Most drivers convicted of impaired driving in Ontario must install an ignition interlock device before they can legally drive again.
An ignition interlock is a small in-car breathalyzer that prevents your vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The program helps you regain mobility while ensuring safe and sober driving.
How Smart Start Canada Can Help
At Smart Start Canada, we provide government-approved ignition interlock devices across Ontario. Our devices are:
- Affordable – flexible pricing and no hidden fees
- Convenient – local installation and service centres across the province
- Discreet – small, reliable technology that fits seamlessly into your routine
If you’re facing a first DUI in Ontario, Smart Start Canada can help you meet legal requirements and get back on the road safely and responsibly.
A first DUI in Ontario brings serious penalties, from immediate suspensions and fines to long-term consequences like a criminal record and higher insurance costs. But with the right support, you can take control of the process and move forward.
If you’ve been ordered to install an ignition interlock device, contact Smart Start Canada today to learn how we can help you drive legally and responsibly.