Ontario toughens roadside licence suspensions for impaired driving starting in 2026

The Brockville Police Service reminds drivers that impaired driving remains a serious criminal offence

Ontario is tightening rules around impaired driving, with longer roadside licence suspensions set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

The Brockville Police Service says the changes were announced by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and apply to drivers who register a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.08. Police will be able to suspend a driver’s licence immediately at the roadside.

Under the new rules, a first-time suspension will increase from three days to seven days. A second-time suspension will rise from seven days to 14 days. The province is also introducing significantly stronger penalties for repeat impaired driving offences and for collisions that result in death.

Police say the measures are meant to improve road safety and further deter impaired driving across Ontario.

The Brockville Police Service reminds drivers that impaired driving remains a serious criminal offence. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, arrange a sober ride, or use alternative transportation.

More information is available through the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario or local police.

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