Impaired Driving in Quebec

In briefIn Quebec, driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more triggers an immediate 90-day licence suspension. A criminal impaired-driving conviction means revocation by the SAAQ (1 year, then 3 and 5 years), a criminal record and an ignition interlock.

Immediate 90-day suspension

As soon as a sample shows a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more, or upon refusal to provide a sample, the licence is immediately suspended for 90 days (section 202.4 of the Highway Safety Code), even before any trial.

Criminal penalties

Impaired driving is a Criminal Code offence: it carries a criminal record, a minimum fine, a driving prohibition and, in serious cases, imprisonment. The vehicle can be seized for 30 days on a first offence.

Licence revocation by the SAAQ

A criminal conviction means licence revocation of 1 year (1st), 3 years (2nd) then 5 years, with a mandatory ignition interlock on reinstatement and reinstatement fees that often total several thousand dollars.

Zero tolerance and defence

Learner and probationary licence holders and drivers aged 21 or under are subject to zero tolerance (no alcohol allowed). Given the consequences, a well-prepared defence — legality of the stop, device reliability, constitutional rights — is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Information verified Juin 2026. Sources: SAAQ, LégisQuébec (Highway Safety Code). For information only — no guarantee of outcome. SAAQ — demerit pointsHighway Safety Code