Operating since 1989, arrive alive DRIVE SOBER^® receives outstanding support from the public and media for which we are very grateful. A registered charity, we do not telemarket and do not use professional fundraisers. Our mission is to eliminate impaired driving in Ontario.

The $ and ¢ of it

Have you ever questioned the true value of a cab ride or a designated driver? Here's an example of minimum costs to a first time convicted impaired driver:

Criminal Code Fine........................$1000
Payable to the Government of Canada

Remedial Measures Program.....$578
Payable to Back on Track + GST

Licence Reinstatement Fee.........$150
Payable to the Ministry of Finance + GST

Increase in Insurance Costs.......$15,000*
Payable to your insurance company in $5,000 increments each of the next 3 years
*minimum increase based on a perfect 6-star driving record

Ignition Interlock...........................$1,350
+installation. Pay to interlock provider

Court Costs...................................$2,000 - $10,000
Payable to your legal counsel

TOTAL.............................................$20,078 - $28,078

In Ontario, drivers with a BAC over .08 or who refuse to provide a breath sample will have their licence suspended immediately for 90 days. This is separate from any charges for a drinking and driving Criminal Code offence the driver faces. These drivers will also have the vehicle they are driving impounded for seven days.

Minimum consequences for drivers convicted of impaired driving or over .08 BAC or refusing to provide a breath sample are:

• One-year driver licence suspension (reducible to three months under certain circumstances)
• One-year ignition interlock condition upon reinstatement (up to three years for repeat offenders)
• Back on Track program (alcohol assessment and education)
• Minimum fine paid as part of federal consequences
• Licence reinstatement fee
• Increased insurance premiums ($5,000 annually for minimum three years)
• Legal costs (if retained; paid to your own legal counsel)
• Criminal Record

Drivers aged 21 and under must have a zero BAC when driving. Otherwise they face:

• an immediate 24-hour licence suspension, or
• a 30-day suspension and up to $500 in fines