The first consequence of an impaired driving stop in Quebec comes before any court date: an immediate 90-day licence suspension under the Highway Safety Code.
When police suspend your licence
Your licence is suspended for 90 days on the spot if:
- a breath test shows a blood alcohol concentration over .08;
- you refuse or fail to provide a breath or drug sample; or
- you are subject to the zero-alcohol rule (21 and under, learner’s or probationary licence) and any alcohol is detected.
The suspension is administrative. It applies whether or not you are later convicted of a criminal offence.
Vehicle seizure
In certain situations, police also seize the vehicle for 30 days, for example when the reading is .16 or more or you refused a test. A longer seizure can apply if you have a previous impaired driving offence. The owner pays towing and storage, even if someone else was driving.
Driving while suspended
Driving during a suspension or prohibition is serious. Police can impound your vehicle for 30 days on the spot, and the Highway Safety Code fine is $1,500 to $3,000. Driving while prohibited by a court is also a Criminal Code offence.
What happens next
The 90-day suspension is only the start. If you are charged and convicted, the SAAQ will revoke your licence for one, three or five years, and you will need an evaluation and usually an interlock before you can drive normally again. See Quebec DUI penalties and the SAAQ evaluation.
Talk to a lawyer early
A lawyer can explain whether the suspension can be challenged, how it interacts with the criminal case and what to do to protect your licence. Start with our guide to Quebec impaired driving laws.
Frequently asked questions
No. Driving while suspended can lead to a 30-day vehicle impoundment and a fine of $1,500 to $3,000.
No. It is an administrative measure under the Highway Safety Code and is separate from the criminal charge.
In certain situations, such as a reading of .16 or more, a refusal or a previous offence, police seize the vehicle for 30 days or longer.
Yes. Drivers 21 and under, learners and probationary licence holders must have zero alcohol, and any alcohol can lead to a 90-day suspension.
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This article is general information about Quebec and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Penalties, fees and procedures can change; confirm details with the SAAQ or a lawyer.
Sources: SAAQ, Costs related to impaired driving (updated February 19, 2026) and Alcofrein program; Éducaloi, Alcool au volant : ravoir son permis de conduire; Department of Justice Canada, Impaired driving laws.
