A conviction for impaired driving in Quebec brings penalties from two sources: the Criminal Code sentence imposed by the judge, and the licence consequences imposed by the SAAQ.
Criminal Code minimums
| Offence | First offence | Second offence | Third offence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impaired / over 80 (BAC 80–119) | minimum $1,000 fine | minimum 30 days jail | minimum 120 days jail |
| Over 80 (BAC 120–159) | minimum $1,500 fine | minimum 30 days jail | minimum 120 days jail |
| Over 80 (BAC 160 or more) | minimum $2,000 fine | minimum 30 days jail | minimum 120 days jail |
| Refusal | minimum $2,000 fine | minimum 30 days jail | minimum 120 days jail |
The judge also imposes a driving prohibition. The maximum sentence is 10 years, and causing bodily harm or death carries much higher maximums. See impaired driving charges in Quebec.
SAAQ licence revocation
| Conviction (within 10 years) | Licence revocation |
|---|---|
| First | 1 year |
| Second | 3 years |
| Third or later | 5 years |
Restricted licence with an interlock
During the revocation, you may be able to drive with a restricted licence, which only allows you to drive a vehicle fitted with an SAAQ-approved alcohol ignition interlock. The minimum waiting period with no driving at all is:
- first offence: set by the court;
- second offence: 3 months after the judgment; and
- third or later offence: 6 months after the judgment.
A restricted licence is not available if the judge prohibited it, if you held only a learner’s licence, or if you had no valid licence at the time of the offence.
The interlock after revocation
When your new licence is issued, it usually carries an interlock condition for one or two years. After a second offence, a lifetime interlock requirement can apply.
What it really costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum Criminal Code fine | $1,000 |
| Summary (initial) evaluation | $351.00 |
| Comprehensive evaluation (if the summary is unfavourable) | $830.70 |
| Maintenance evaluation | $409.50 |
| Alcofrein program (if the summary is favourable) | $150.00 |
| Interlock installation | $165 to $350 |
| Interlock monthly rental | $69.99 |
| Interlock removal and file closure | $55.00 |
| New licence after revocation | $420 to $560 |
The SAAQ estimates a first offence costs at least $5,000 in total. Find out how to get your licence back after the SAAQ evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
One year. A second conviction within 10 years brings three years, and a third brings five years.
Often yes. A restricted licence lets you drive a vehicle with an approved ignition interlock, after a waiting period set by the court for a first offence, 3 months for a second and 6 months for a third.
According to the SAAQ, installation costs $165 to $350, rental is $69.99 a month, and removal and file closure cost $55.
Yes. A lifetime interlock requirement can apply after a second impaired driving offence.
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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.
