Impaired driving

It doesn't take much alcohol to impair your driving: Just because you've only had a couple of drinks doesn't mean you're okay to drive.

B.C.'s drinking-driving laws are tough on impaired drivers

In the first year since B.C.'s tougher drinking-driving penalties took effect (in September 2010), alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths have been reduced by 40 per cent.

Police in B.C. can issue an immediate roadside prohibition to an impaired driver with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .05 or higher. (The BAC is based on a breath sample into a roadside screening device.)

The vehicle the person is driving can also be immediately taken off the road and impounded for three to 30 days. 

Costs related to these offences can add up to an estimated $600 to $4,060—even if it’s the first time a driver is caught.

Possible criminal charges

Failing or refusing a breathalyzer test could also result in criminal charges.

If convicted, you would

• be prohibited from driving for at least a year and
• pay way more for car insurance.

If you drove while prohibited or suspended, your car could be impounded for a minimum of 60 days. You would also be subject to a $500 fine, jail time and more driving prohibitions.

Don't gamble with your car insurance

If you drive over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs, ICBC may not cover you under your Basic Autoplan.

If you crash while drinking and driving, you’re likely in breach of your insurance policy. That means you could be personally responsible for 100 per cent of the costs if you damage someone else’s property or injure them.

Learn more »

CounterAttack impaired driving

Each year, we support enhanced police enforcement to shut down impaired driving through CounterAttack awareness campaigns in July and December.

Ignition interlock program

B.C. drivers with a record of drinking and driving must now have an ignition interlock device installed in every vehicle they drive. The device requires that they provide a breath sample, and it will prevent them from starting the vehicle if they have been drinking.

Learn more about the Ignition Interlock Program(PDF).

Ignition interlock devices can also be used voluntarily. If you are thinking about having an ignition interlock installed, please visit www.acs-corp.com for more information. Thank you for making a responsible decision to drive smart.

Is a night out worth the rest of your life?

Live Fast, Die Young by filmmaker Lauren Holmes shows the consequences of driving drunk. The film took first place in the Impaired Driving category for ICBC's 180 short-film contest. See more student films on our Youtube channel