Yes, if you receive a first-time impaired driving conviction in Ontario, you may qualify for the Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program. By entering “Stream A,” you can reduce your 1-year driving ban down to just 3 months by installing an approved breathalyzer in your car, allowing you to commute to work in Markham.
Losing your driver’s licence due to an impaired driving conviction can feel like the end of your career, especially if you rely on driving to get to work in Markham or to commute across the Greater Toronto Area. A standard first-time DUI conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada comes with a mandatory one-year driving prohibition. For many families, an entire year without a vehicle leads to financial disaster.
Fortunately, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) offers a lifeline. The Ignition Interlock Program allows eligible offenders to regain their driving privileges much earlier than the standard one-year mark. An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a small in-car breathalyzer that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol. Here is how you can use this program to get back on the road safely and legally.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Ignition Interlock Program
Participating in this program is not automatic. It requires careful legal timing and strict adherence to MTO regulations. Whether your case is handled at the Newmarket Courthouse or another jurisdiction, follow these steps with the help of your criminal defence lawyer.
Step 1: Plead Guilty Early (For Stream A)
To qualify for the fastest return to driving (Stream A), you generally must plead guilty to the impaired driving charge within 90 days of the offence. This is a critical legal decision. You should thoroughly review the police disclosure with your lawyer to ensure that a guilty plea is truly your best option. If you fight the case at trial and lose, you will only be eligible for Stream B, which carries a much longer minimum suspension.
Step 2: Register for the ‘Back on Track’ Program
Before you can get your licence back, you must enroll in Ontario’s mandatory remedial measures program, known as ‘Back on Track’. This is an educational and treatment course aimed at preventing repeat offences. You must register and pay the mandatory fee as soon as possible, as wait times for the classes can be several weeks.
Step 3: Wait Out the Absolute Prohibition Period
Even under Stream A, you cannot drive immediately. You must serve a minimum “absolute prohibition” of 3 months (or 6 months for Stream B) where you cannot drive under any circumstances. During this time, the MTO will review your file to ensure you have no other outstanding suspensions and that your offence did not involve bodily harm to another person.
Step 4: Install the Approved Device
Once the MTO approves your application, you must lease an Ignition Interlock Device from an authorized service provider (such as Alcolock or Smart Start). You will take your vehicle to a local Markham installation centre, where technicians will wire the device into your car’s ignition system. You can only drive vehicles equipped with this device.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Regaining your driving privileges early is highly convenient, but it is also expensive. You are responsible for all costs associated with the device and the remedial programs.
| Expense Type | Description | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Back on Track Fee | The mandatory MTO educational program for convicted impaired drivers. | $634 CAD |
| IID Installation | The initial fee paid to the private company to hardwire the device into your car. | $150 – $200 |
| Monthly Lease Fee | You must rent the device and pay a monthly fee for downloading the data and calibration. | $100 – $130 / month |
You must also pay a $281 CAD reinstatement fee to ServiceOntario when your absolute prohibition ends. Over the course of a 9-month interlock requirement, expect to spend close to $2,000 CAD. 💰
How Long Does the Interlock Period Last?
If you qualify for Stream A, you serve a 3-month absolute driving ban, followed by 9 months of driving with the IID installed. If you enter Stream B (because you fought the case and lost, or plead guilty late), you face a 6-month absolute driving ban followed by 12 months with the IID. During this time, the device logs every breath test, and failing a test can extend your time in the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the device damage my vehicle’s electronics?
No. Authorized service providers in Ontario are highly trained and install thousands of these devices every year. It integrates with your starter system but does not permanently damage the battery or electronics of modern vehicles.
Can other people drive my car with the device installed?
Yes, your spouse or family members can drive the vehicle, but they must also blow into the device to start it and during rolling re-tests. Be careful: any failed alcohol test is logged under your profile, regardless of who was blowing.
What happens if I use mouthwash before driving?
Many mouthwashes and some foods contain alcohol and can trigger a “warn” or “fail” reading. You should rinse your mouth with water and wait 15 minutes before blowing. Frequent fails can result in the MTO removing you from the program.
Do I still have a criminal record if I get the Interlock device?
Yes. Participating in the MTO’s Ignition Interlock program only restores your driving privileges early. It does not erase the actual impaired driving conviction from your criminal record.
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