New Impaired Driving Laws in Alberta

Full Class 5 or higher (non-GDL) Driver

Non-Graduated Driver’s licence holders who are found to be driving with blood alcohol of .08 or over, who are impaired by alcohol, drugs or their combination, or who fail or refuse to provide a breath or blood sample will receive:

1. An immediate and total 90 Day Driver’s Licence suspension.
2. After 90 days, a further one-year driving suspension where the suspended driver may be eligible to drive on a condition that they participate in Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program. If they choose not to participate, they will remain suspended during this one-year term with no ability to drive to legally.
3. A 3-day vehicle seizure after the first Alberta Administrative Licence Suspension and a 7-day vehicle seizure for subsequent suspensions.

Probationary Drivers

Graduated Licence Holders (i.e. Class 7 or Class 5 GDL) who are found to be driving with above .00 blood alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs will receive:

1. an immediate 30-day Driver’s Licence Suspension
2. 7-day vehicle seizure.

They will also have to be suspension-free for a period of at least 12 months before becoming eligible to exit the GDL program.

It should be noted that GDL drivers who meet the requirements for criminal level impaired driving will be subject to any and all provincial sanctions and criminal penalties that apply.

For further information, please refer to the Alberta Transportation website.