British Columbia
In B.C., driving high carries the same penalties as driving drunk with a few additions, according to the provincial government site.
First offence:
– seizure of driver’s license for ninety days
– vehicle impounded for three days, driver responsible for towing fees
– $200 fine
Second offence:
– seizure of driver’s license for ninety days
– vehicle impounded for seven days
– $300 fine
– possible driving course
Third offence:
– seizure of driver’s license for ninety days
– vehicle impounded for thirty days
– $400 fine
– driving course
– possible mandatory ignition interlock (device that measures THC or blood-alcohol level in blood to turn on a vehicle)
Alberta
The government of Alberta clearly lists the penalties for driving high.
First offence:
– immediate 90-day licence suspension
– immediate 3-day vehicle seizure
– mandatory driving course
– one-year participation in an ignition interlock program
– $1,000 fine
Second offence:
– immediate 90-day licence suspension
– mandatory driving course
– one-year participation in an igntion interlock program
– mandatory 30-day imprisonment
Third offence:
– mandatory driving course
– one-year participation in an igntion interlock program
– mandatory 120-day imprisonment
Saskatchewan
This information comes from the Saskatchewan driver’s licensing and vehicle registration agency.
First offence:
– license suspension for three days
– impounded vehicle for three days
– mandatory driving course
Charge:
– driver’s licence suspension until the court has disposed of the charge
– 30-day vehicle seizure, driver responsible for towing fees
– 60-day suspension if driver is also impaired by alcohol and has a blood alcohol concentration over .16
Conviction:
– one-year driving suspension to a maximum of five years
– fine of $1,250 to $2,500
– mandatory driving course
Manitoba
The Manitoba Public Insurance site clearly lists the penalties for driving high.
First offence:
– suspension of driver’s license for one year
– possible 18 month imprisonment
– $1,000 fine
Second offence:
– five year suspension of driver’s license
– minimum 30 days imprisonment
Third offence:
– ten year suspension of driver’s license
– minimum 120 days imprisonment
Accident that leads to bodily harm or death:
– 5 year suspension of driver’s license
– possible 10 year imprisonment
Ontario
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation lists three different categories of penalty: offence without indictment, charges, and court conviction.
First offence:
– 3 day suspension of license
– $250 fine
Second offence:
– 7 day suspension of driver’s license
– mandatory education program costing $350
Third offence:
– 30 day suspension of license
– treatment program
– ignition interlock device for 6 months
– $450 fine
– mandatory medical exam
Court convictions:
First offence:
– licence suspension of at least 1 year
– mandatory education or treatment program
– ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
– mandatory medical evaluation
Second offence:
– licence suspension of at least 3 years
– mandatory education or treatment program
– ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
– mandatory medical evaluation
Third offence:
– lifetime licence suspension
– mandatory education or treatment programs
– ignition interlock device for at least 6 years
Quebec
Quebec’s penalties are perhaps the most straightforward and unforgiving. This information comes from the SAAQ.
First offence:
– immediate suspension of license for 90 days
– suspension of license for one year
– $1,000 fine
Second offence:
– $2,000 fine
– prison for period determined by court
New Brunswick
The government of New Brunswick is the least clear about penalties related to driving high. Though, it does list these possible punishments on its website:
– immediate short-term roadside suspensions (for a period of time presumably determined by court)
– licence suspension (for a period of time presumably determined by court)
– vehicle impoundment (for a period of time presumably determined by court)
– mandatory driving course
– licence reinstatement fees for drug-impaired drivers
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is explicitly clear on its website:
First offence:
– $1,000 fine
– 1 year licence suspension
Second offence:
– imprisonment of up to 30 days
– three-year licence suspension
Third offence:
– imprisonment of up to 120 days
– five-year licence suspension
Fourth offence:
– indefinite revocation of licence
Prince Edward Island
The government of Prince Edward Island also separates penalties according to the severity of legal proceedings.
First offence:
– 1 day suspension of your license
– 7 day driving ban
– vehicle impounded for 30 days
Second offence:
– 1 day suspension of your license
– 7 day driving ban
– vehicle impounded for 60 days
Charge:
– vehicle impounded for 6 months
Conviction:
First offence:
– revocation of driver’s license for 1 year
– 1 year driving ban
Second offence:
– revocation of driver’s license for 5 years
– 2 year driving ban
Third offence:
– revocation of license for 5 years
– three year driving ban
Newfoundland & Labrador
In Newfoundland & Labrador, those who drive high are subject to the same penalties as motorists that drive drunk, with some additions. This information comes from the provincial government and DUI.ca.
First offence:
– vehicle impounded for 7 days
– 1 year driving ban
– $600 fine
– mandatory driving course
Second offence:
– vehicle impounded for 7 days
– 3 year driving ban
– 14 days jail time
– mandatory medical exam
Third offence:
– 10 year driving ban
– 90 days imprisonment
– mandatory medical exam
