Impaired Driving

What it is

Impaired driving charges under the Criminal Code include operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, driving over the legal limit, and refusing a breath demand. Both provinces also run administrative roadside regimes — Immediate Roadside Prohibitions in BC and Immediate Roadside Sanctions in Alberta — that can suspend your licence before any court date.

Possible consequences

A conviction can mean a driving prohibition, fines, mandatory programs, sharply higher insurance costs, and a criminal record that affects travel and employment. Readings well over the limit and repeat offences carry escalating minimum penalties, including jail.

What to expect

Ervin reviews the roadside process, the breath or blood evidence, and any Charter issues — from the reason for the stop to how samples were demanded and taken. Administrative reviews run on short deadlines, so it pays to call early.