Drinking and Driving Penalties in British Columbia

Every year, alcohol is a factor in about a quarter of fatal car crashes in B.C., yet some drivers still believe that a few drinks before driving is ok. Anyone who has seen the consequences of drinking and driving knows that it’s not. Those who choose to drive after drinking are a danger to themselves and everyone else. That's why B.C. is serious about getting drinking drivers off the roads. Driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) between .05 and .08 percent means that you're seven times more likely to be in a fatal crash than driving with no alcohol in your body.

Drinking and Driving Penalties
British Columbia has some of the toughest drinking and driving laws in Canada, with penalties beginning at .05 percent BAC. Even if you have had just a drink or two, you may be over the legal limit. If you are stopped by the police for drinking and driving, here's what could happen. You may be asked to provide a breath sample into a roadside screening device will either indicate:

Pass - your breath sample contains a BAC below .05 percent. 

Warn - your breath sample is between .05 and .08 percent BAC. 
                

• First Offense - three day vehicle impoundment and driving prohibition
• Second Offense - seven day vehicle impoundment and driving prohibition
• Third Offense - thirty driving prohibition and vehicle impoundment, ignition interlock for one year and a requirement to take The Responsible Driver Program
  There are many financial costs associated with these penalties.

Fail - your breath sample is over .08 percent BAC. 
Ninety day driving prohibition and thirty day vehicle impoundment, ignition interlock for one year and a requirement to take the Responsible Driver Program.

There are many financial costs associated with these penalties, plus possible criminal charges.