This is no surprise that driving under the influence is illegal and can be life-threatening. Keep reading to understand what counts as impaired driving and its associated penalties that you can face before you get behind the wheel.
What is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving relates to a situation where an individual operates their vehicle while under the influence of a substance, including:
- Drugs like cannabis, over-the-counter drugs, prescription medication, and illegal substances.
- Alcohol.
- Combination of both.
Point to remember: In addition to automobiles, impaired driving laws also bears on those who operate boats, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles.
So, suppose the police determine that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs you. In that case, you can face serious consequences and potential criminal charges.
Alcohol and Driving
Your weight, age, gender, mood, and the food you eat everything affect your body’s response to alcohol. In Ontario, alcohol-impaired driving is a leading reason for accidents. Drinking can make you experience the following symptoms while driving:
- Double or blurred vision.
- Slow reflexes.
- Difficulty in concentrating on roads and surroundings.
If your blood alcohol concentration comes around 0.08 or more, or if you are in the warn range (between 0.05 and 0.079), be ready to face charges.
Under Ontario’s zero-tolerance law for the novice, young, and commercial drivers, it is stated that you cannot have any illegal substance in your system if you are:
- Under the age of 21.
- Driving a vehicle that calls for an A-F driver’s licence or Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration.
- A driver (regardless of age) who holds a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence.
- Operating a road-building machine.
Here’s what you should do to avoid impaired driving penalties: Quit drinking and driving by planning. If you are a high-risk driver looking for a trusted source to register for automobile insurance with less premium amount, consider discussing it with a well-experienced insurance service provider in town to ensure your best interest.
Cannabis and Driving
Penalties
Penalties can significantly vary depending on your licence type, age, the substance in your system, and the number of times you had your licence suspended.
If the police declare that you have been driving under the influence, then you can face several legal charges, including:
- Immediate licence suspensions.
- Reinstatement and fines and reinstatement fees.
- Enrollment into treatment, rehabilitation, or other educational programs.
- Vehicle impoundment.
- Strict penalties upon conviction.
An impaired driving ticket negatively affects your premium rates, how you are classified, and your eligibility to get coverage. In such cases, you can expect your Ontario car insurance premiums to skyrocket to five times your average.
About us
Are you finding the world of high-risk driver insurance policies burdensome and looking for assistance from a professional in the Ontario region? Youngs Insurance Brokers Burlington Inc. can be your one-stop destination!
We are a private insurance broker company that helps clients pick the most appropriate insurance policies for themselves. Our experienced insurance specialists will help you navigate through your insurance alternatives and make you understand your purview of coverage from all perspectives.
Reach out to us at 1(905) 335-6925 for a free estimate.
