Getting charged for driving under the influence isn’t a pleasant or welcome site for anyone. Especially for first-time offenders, getting charged with a DUI can be an entirely new and troublesome experience. This experience is further complicated due to varying provincial and state laws, for instance, the law governing an Ontario DUI would be different than those governing a Saskatoon DUI. Despite the differences, the general guideline regarding the consequences a first-time DUI offender can face remain the same all over Canada, and given below are some of the consequences you should be familiar of:
1. You could be charged with monetary fines
For first-time offenders who are charged with a DUI and subsequently plead guilty, the initial monetary fine is CAD 1000 which is the minimum mandatory fine. This charge may be higher or lower depending upon your circumstances, and this figure is exclusive of local state charges, towing fees, impounding fees, or any other reinstatement fees that you may incur. For instance, a Blood Alcohol level higher than 0.120 could result in a fine of CAD 1500, whereas that higher than 0.160 could face a fine of CAD 2000.
2. You could face a license suspension
Canadian law often calls for a license suspension in DUI cases, and the usual time frame for suspension is the year. However, this figure varies according to your respective province. For instance, in Yukon, first-time offenders could be looking at a 90-day license suspension, whereas in the Northwest territories they could be looking at a 12-month driving prohibition. For first-time offenders in the Prince Edward Islands, the offender’s license gets canceled for a year with over CAD 750 as reinstatement fees.
3. You’d have to participate in an ignition interlock
First-time offenders typically have to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program as a part of their punishment and if they wish to have their driving license reinstated. It is essentially a probationary program that calls for the offender to have an interlock ignition device. The individual has to blow into the device every time they start their car, and also during regular intervals while driving their car. The device also has to be checked by a parole officer or a specialist regularly. The program typically lasts for one year, and the uninstallation of the device before this period can result in serious fines and license cancellation.
4. You’d have to pay higher premiums
If you have a conviction regarding your DUI in Canada, you are most likely to face a higher premium charge concerning automobile insurance in the country. A DUI or an instance of impaired driving categorizes you as a high-risk driver and hence your insurance premium innately goes up, no questions asked. Most insurance companies in Canada either refuse to cover you after a DUI charge, or immediately double your insurance premium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, every driver should be aware of the consequences associated with a DUI charge before getting behind the wheel while being impaired. You could face jail time, fines, and disgrace in your conviction.
