In London, Ontario, a first-time impaired driving charge triggers an immediate 90-day administrative licence suspension. If you are later convicted at the Ontario Court of Justice, you face a mandatory minimum 1-year criminal driving prohibition and a minimum $1,000 CAD fine as of April 2026.
Being pulled over by the London Police Service and charged with impaired driving is a terrifying experience that immediately impacts your daily life. Whether it happened at a late-night R.I.D.E. checkpoint on Richmond Street or after a minor fender-bender on Wonderland Road, the consequences are immediate. Canadian law treats impaired driving extremely seriously, resulting in immediate administrative penalties before you even see a judge.
Understanding the timeline of a licence suspension is crucial for protecting your livelihood. 📋 Many drivers do not realize that there are two separate suspensions to deal with: one from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) and another from the Criminal Code of Canada. Navigating this complex process without a criminal record requires a strategic defence. It is highly recommended to contact a local criminal defence lawyer from our directory to review your case.
Step-by-Step Process in London, Ontario
Dealing with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in London means interacting with both provincial licensing authorities and the criminal courts. Here is the timeline of how your driving privileges are suspended and how the legal process unfolds.
Step 1: The Immediate Roadside Suspension (ADLS)
The moment you fail a breathalyzer test or are deemed impaired by an officer, you are hit with an Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS). 🚨 This means you lose your licence on the spot for exactly 90 days. Furthermore, your vehicle will be impounded for 7 days at a local London tow yard, and you will be responsible for all towing and daily storage fees, regardless of who owns the car.
Step 2: First Appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice
Your criminal case will begin at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 80 Dundas Street in London. During your first appearance, you will not face a trial. Instead, your lawyer will receive the “disclosure” (the police evidence against you). While your 90-day ADLS continues, your lawyer will negotiate with the Crown Attorney to see if the charges can be reduced to a non-criminal traffic offence, such as careless driving.
Step 3: The Criminal Conviction Suspension
If you plead guilty or are found guilty of impaired driving, the judge will impose a criminal sentence. ⚔️ For a first-time offence, the Criminal Code mandates a minimum 1-year driving prohibition across Canada. The MTO will also suspend your provincial licence concurrently. It is important to note that the initial 90-day roadside suspension does not count toward this 1-year criminal ban.
Step 4: Applying for the Ignition Interlock Program
To get back on the road sooner, Ontario offers the Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program. If you plead guilty within 90 days of your charge (Stream A), you might be allowed to drive after serving only 3 months of your criminal suspension, provided you install a breath-screening device in your vehicle at your own expense for the remaining 9 months.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
An impaired driving charge is notoriously expensive, even if it is your very first offence. 💵 Below is an outline of the estimated costs you might face as of April 2026.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Criminal Fine | $1,000 – $2,000 | Mandatory fine ordered by the judge if convicted (plus a 30% victim surcharge). |
| Vehicle Impound & Towing | $350 – $600 | Fees paid directly to the local London towing company for the 7-day impound. |
| Ignition Interlock Device | $1,500 per year | Installation and monthly monitoring fees paid to the provider (e.g., Smart Start). |
| Defence Lawyer Fees | $3,500 – $7,500+ | Cost to retain a law firm to negotiate a plea deal or take the matter to trial. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline varies depending on how you handle the charges. 🕐 The initial roadside suspension is a strict 90 days. Navigating the criminal court system in London typically takes anywhere from 4 to 10 months before reaching a trial or a plea resolution. If convicted, the mandatory minimum criminal suspension lasts for 1 full year, though it can be reduced to 3 or 6 months if you successfully qualify for the Ignition Interlock program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive to work during my 90-day roadside suspension?
No. There are absolutely no exceptions, “hardship licences,” or work permits available during the 90-day ADLS. If you are caught driving, you will face severe new criminal charges for Driving While Suspended.
Does an impaired driving charge stay on my criminal record?
Yes. Impaired driving is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code. A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect your employment and your ability to travel to the United States.
Is a DUI considered a summary conviction or an indictable offence?
It is a “hybrid” offence, meaning the Crown Attorney can choose how to proceed. For a first-time offence with no injuries, the Crown almost always proceeds by summary conviction, which carries a lower maximum penalty than an indictable offence.
Will my auto insurance rates increase?
Drastically. If convicted, your standard insurance policy will likely be cancelled. You will have to obtain “high-risk” insurance through the Facility Association, which can cost upwards of $8,000 to $12,000 CAD per year for several years.
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