Driver Licensing > Consequences of Unsafe Driving
Driving While Impaired
Driving any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a Crime. Manitoba’s impaired driving laws apply to the operation of all motorized vehicles so you have to be aware of the consequences even when you operate other types of motorized vehicles such as off-road vehicles (snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes), tractors and other special mobile machines (combines, front-end loaders, forklifts, graders and cranes).
Sanctions also apply to situations where a person operates a vessel, an aircraft or railway equipment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A vessel includes all craft usually larger than a row boat designed to navigate on water, including hovercrafts.
There are several penalties for driving any vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Zero blood alcohol concentration restriction - Novice drivers who violate the zero blood alcohol concentration restriction (less than .05) will:
- Receive an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension.
- Be required to attend a Show Cause Hearing with DI&C to determine further sanctions.
Tiered Administrative Licence Suspensions - Drivers operating a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration between .05 and .08 or who fail a physical coordination test are subject to an immediate Tiered Administrative Licence Suspension. Tiered Administrative Licence Suspensions are progressively longer suspensions ranging from 24 hours to 60 days depending on how many previous suspensions have been issued to the driver within a 10-year period.
Drivers receiving two or more suspensions within a 10-year period are also required to complete an Impaired Driver Assessment at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba at their own expense.
Drivers who receive a Tiered Administrative Licence Suspension may also be subject to a Driver Improvement and Control intervention which could range from a warning letter to a Show Cause Hearing, at which time a further driver licence suspension would be considered.
Three-month Administrative Licence Suspension - Drivers found with a blood alcohol concentration over .08, who refuse to provide a breath or blood sample, or who refuse to perform a physical coordination test or follow a police officer’s instructions regarding the test, will receive an immediate three-month Administrative Licence Suspension.
Additional consequences may include:
- Being charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Vehicle impoundment (except special mobile machines).
- A mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment at your expense.
- A driver’s licence reinstatement charge.
- Losing your vehicle permanently if you cause an accident that kills or physically harms someone, even if it’s a first offence.
- Participating in Manitoba’s Ignition Interlock Program.
Drugs
Prescription Drugs
Tranquillizers, antidepressants, sleeping pills and similar drugs can affect driving ability even if taken in the prescribed dosage. Accordingly, if you continue to drive while impaired by any medication, you can be charged with impaired driving. This will result in the same consequences as if you were impaired by alcohol. Discuss the possible effects of any medication with your doctor or pharmacist.
Illegal Drugs
Illicit drugs may cause hallucinations, hostility and aggressiveness in addition to dulling normal thought processes and slowing down eye-hand coordination. If you are found to be driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, you will be charged with impaired driving.
Never mix drugs and alcohol - even in small quantities.
For information contact:
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
General Inquiries call (204) 944-6200
Website: www.afm.mb.ca
Email: library@afm.mb.ca
What can you do to prevent other people from driving while impaired?
When you host a party, you can also take steps to discourage guests from driving home if they have had too much to drink. Here are some suggestions:
- Set up “house rules” that make driving home after drinking too much not
acceptable. Tell your guests about these rules before they arrive! Then they
can make alternative plans for going home if they plan to drink. - Offer guests fruit juices, mineral water and soft drinks as alternatives to
alcoholic beverages. - Don't serve "one for the road". It's a good idea to close the bar at least one hour before the party ends. Encourage guests to stay for a while by serving food and tea, coffee or other non-alcoholic beverages
- Have enough spare cash on hand to lend to friends for taxi fare.
- Be prepared to have some guests stay overnight if necessary. A little inconvenience and embarrassment (theirs, not yours) is far better than risking impaired driving.
You don't have to stop with just yourself or family and friends. Those of you who belong to groups or clubs can challenge other members to share a leading role in preventing impaired driving. Many groups and organizations sponsor parties and other social events where alcohol is served. All members can participate in making sure no one drives after drinking. People can take turns not drinking so they may drive others home.
