Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is reminding motorists that tougher penalties for impaired driving have been in effect across Ontario since January 1.
Under the updated enforcement measures, drivers who register a “warn” reading—between 50 and 79 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood—on an approved screening device now face escalating roadside suspensions. A first offence results in a seven-day licence suspension, while a second offence carries a 14-day suspension. A third offence leads to a 30-day suspension. Mandatory remedial driver training and substance-use education programs also apply.
Police further noted that under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, anyone charged with a criminal impaired driving offence will automatically face a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impound.
Fully licensed drivers are required to maintain a blood alcohol concentration below 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres. However, police reported that since the start of the 2025 Festive RIDE program, the average breath sample among arrested drivers was approximately 150 milligrams—nearly double the legal limit.
According to DRPS Chief Peter Moreira, officers had laid 629 impaired driving charges by mid-November.
Police also emphasized that alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of road fatalities in Ontario. Factors such as body weight, age, food intake, and emotional state can all influence how alcohol affects an individual.
Under Ontario’s zero-tolerance laws, young, novice, and commercial drivers are prohibited from having any alcohol in their system. This applies to drivers aged 21 and under, those holding G1, G2, M1, or M2 licences, and anyone operating a commercial vehicle requiring an A–F class licence or a Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration.
Photo Credits :https://durhampost.ca/police-warn-impaired-drivers-of-penalties-in-effect-since-jan-1
