Ontario enacts stricter impaired driving penalties effective Jan. 1, 2026, with immediate suspensions, fines, and treatment for drivers with BACs of 0.05–0.079, and harsher consequences for higher levels or refusal.

Ontario has introduced stricter impaired driving penalties effective January 1, 2026, with immediate licence suspensions, fines, and mandatory education or treatment programs for drivers with blood alcohol levels between 0.05 and 0.079 who fail sobriety tests. Higher BAC levels (0.08 or above) or refusal to test trigger 90-day suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and $550 fines. Repeat offenders face longer suspensions, treatment programs, and ignition interlock requirements. Criminal convictions carry minimum one-year suspensions and potential jail time. The changes follow 766 impaired driving charges during the 2024–2025 Festive RIDE campaign, with increased enforcement expected around St. Patrick’s Day. Authorities urge drivers to plan safe transportation and monitor weather alerts.