THUNDER BAY – LOCAL NEWS – The Thunder Bay Police Service is informing the public of important provincial changes to Ontario’s impaired driving laws that came into effect January 1, 2026. These updates, made under the Highway Traffic Act, introduce tougher penalties for impaired driving and expand the reach of enforcement tools used by police across the province.
Key Changes Now in Effect:
❗ Lifetime Licence Suspension for Impaired Driving Causing Death
For the first time, Ontario drivers convicted of impaired driving causing death will face an indefinite driver’s licence suspension.
-
Eligibility for reinstatement: after 25 years
-
Imprisonment time: extends the waiting period
This measure replaces previous legislation, which did not mandate a lifetime suspension.
🚫 Increased Short-Term Roadside Suspensions
Drivers who are found to be impaired at the roadside—whether by alcohol, drugs, or a combination—will now face longer automatic suspensions:
-
First occurrence: Now 7 days (up from 3)
-
Second occurrence: Now 14 days (up from 7)
-
Third and subsequent: Remains at 30 days
These penalties apply to:
-
Warn range blood alcohol readings (0.05 – 0.079)
-
Positive drug screening results
-
Standard Field Sobriety Test failures
-
Zero tolerance violations for novice and young drivers
📅 Lookback Period Doubled
To determine whether an occurrence is a first, second, or subsequent offence, police now look back 10 years—up from 5—when assessing past roadside suspensions.
🧠 Mandatory Education and Treatment Programs
-
First-time offenders must now complete a mandatory remedial education program through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
-
Second and subsequent offenders must complete a treatment program before becoming eligible to drive again.
Message from Thunder Bay Police
The Thunder Bay Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving in our community and will continue to enforce these enhanced laws.
“We urge all motorists to make safe, responsible decisions—plan ahead, drive sober, and protect lives on our roads.”
Residents can visit ontario.ca for more information on impaired driving penalties and provincial traffic laws.
The Overview:
Thunder Bay Police remind residents of new Ontario impaired driving laws: longer suspensions, lifetime bans for fatal offences.
