January 28, 2025
6 min
Written by: Arian Borys, Licensed Insurance Broker (Level 3), Humberview Insurance Brokers If you’ve been convicted of impaired driving (commonly referred to as driving under the influence or a DUI) in Ontario—whether it involves alcohol or drugs—the consequences are serious. Beyond fines, suspensions, and mandatory programs, your car insurance will be heavily impacted, as you’ll likely need high-risk auto insurance. Use the updated information below to understand what happens after a DUI conviction and the potential effect on your premiums.
Penalties for Novice Drivers with Any Alcohol in Their System
The following include administrative roadside penalties and, in some cases, additional fines if a conviction occurs.
In Ontario, novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2, M2-L, or M2-M licence holders) are subject to strict zero-tolerance rules. This means that any detectable alcohol in your system—even below 0.05 BAC—can result in immediate penalties. The penalties below apply when any alcohol is present.
| Offence | Penalty |
| First Time | 7-day immediate roadside licence suspension, $250 penalty, and mandatory 8-hour education course. Additional fines between $60–$1,000 may apply if convicted. |
| Second Time | 14-day immediate roadside licence suspension, $350 penalty, and mandatory 16-hour treatment program. Additional fines between $60–$1,000 may apply if convicted. |
| Third Time | 30-day immediate roadside licence suspension, $450 penalty, mandatory 16-hour treatment program, and ignition interlock condition for 6 months. Additional fines between $60–$1,000 may apply if convicted. |
Penalties for All Drivers with Warn-Range BAC (0.05 to 0.079)
The following are administrative roadside penalties that apply to fully licensed drivers with a blood alcohol concentration in the warn range (0.05 to 0.079). These penalties do not result in a criminal conviction, but they can still impact your driving record and insurance.
| Offence | Penalty |
| First Time | 7-day immediate licence suspension, $250 penalty, and mandatory 8-hour education course |
| Second Time | 14-day immediate licence suspension, $350 penalty, and mandatory 16-hour treatment program |
| Third Time | 30-day immediate licence suspension, $450 penalty, mandatory 16-hour treatment program, and ignition interlock condition for 6 months |
Consequences of a DUI Conviction (BAC 0.08 or Higher) in Ontario
If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, if you refuse to comply with a demand for alcohol or drug testing, or if you are found to be impaired by drugs, the consequences are applied in two stages.
These penalties are cumulative, meaning you may first face immediate roadside penalties and later additional consequences if convicted in court.
Part 1 involves immediate roadside penalties, which take effect right away and are administrative in nature.
Part 2 applies if you are later convicted in court, and includes more severe, long-term penalties.
PART 1 — Immediate Roadside Penalties
Immediate Roadside Penalties for Impaired Driving (BAC 0.08+, Refusal, or Drug Impairment)
| Offence | Penalty |
| First Time | Immediate 90-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment, mandatory 8-hour education course, and $550 penalty |
| Second Time | Immediate 90-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment, mandatory 16-hour treatment program, and $550 penalty |
| Third Time | Immediate 90-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment, mandatory 16-hour treatment program, ignition interlock condition for 6 months, and $550 penalty |
PART 2 — Criminal Conviction Penalties
No matter what age or licence you have, if you are convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, you can face additional fines and jail time plus:
| Offence | Penalty |
| First Time | Licence suspension of at least 1 year, mandatory education or treatment program, and ignition interlock device required for at least 1 year |
| Second Time (Within 10 years) | Licence suspension of at least 3 years, mandatory education or treatment program, ignition interlock device required for at least 3 years, and mandatory medical evaluation |
| Third Time (Within 10 years) | Lifetime licence suspension (may be reduced after 10 years if eligible), mandatory education or treatment program, ignition interlock device required for at least 6 years, and mandatory medical evaluation |
Impact on Car Insurance:
- Insurance providers may refuse renewal, often requiring drivers to seek coverage through insurers that specialize in high risk insurance.
- Ontario Car Insurance Premiums can increase by 150-300% possibly more.
- Many drivers will need to seek coverage through insurers that specialize in high-risk or DUI Insurance policies.
Sample Insurance Costs with a DUI Conviction (2024 Data)
Here’s how a DUI conviction impacts insurance rates across different cities in Ontario.
| City | Car Insurance Before DUI | Car Insurance After DUI | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrie | $1,963/year ($163.58/month) | $5,656/year ($471.33/month) | 188% |
| London, Ontario | $1,809/year ($150.75/month) | $5,752/year ($479.33/month) | 218% |
| Hamilton | $1,958/year ($163.17/month) | $6,494/year ($541.17/month) | 232% |
| Toronto | $2,126/year ($177.17/month) | $8,852/year ($737.67/month) | 316% |
Note: The driver profile in the sample above is a 34-year-old male driving a 2024 VW Tiguan for 10 km to work daily, with an annual mileage of 15,000 km and continuous insurance coverage for 10 years prior to the DUI. Individual results may vary based on many factors. These are sample estimates for illustrative purposes only.
DUI Insurance – High Risk Car Insurance After Impaired Driving Conviction: What to Expect
After a DUI conviction, you’ll likely need high risk auto insurance. Here are some things to consider:
- Expect stricter terms: High deductibles and higher premiums in many cases.
- Availability varies: Not all Ontario insurers offer high risk policies.
- Coverage limitations: Some insurers may restrict optional coverages, such as collision or comprehensive.
- A DUI conviction can impact your insurance rates for several years, often between 6 to 10 years depending on the insurer.
If you’ve been convicted of DUI, it’s essential to contact a broker specializing in high risk car insurance to compare quotes and explore your options.
Get a DUI Insurance Quote Today
Need help finding DUI insurance in Ontario? We work with high-risk insurance providers that offer tailored coverage options for drivers with impaired driving convictions. Click below to request a quote and find out what options are available to you.
A DUI conviction carries long-lasting financial and legal consequences. From fines and mandatory programs to skyrocketing insurance premiums, drivers need to prepare for the challenges ahead. Working with a broker experienced in high-risk auto insurance can help you find the right coverage at the best possible rate.
At Humberview Insurance, we’ve been proudly serving Ontario for over 40 years, helping drivers navigate challenging situations, including those with DUI convictions. Our team specializes in DUI insurance, providing tailored solutions to get you back on the road with the right coverage at competitive rates. If you need help finding high-risk auto insurance, trust Humberview Insurance to guide you every step of the way.
This article was originally written in 2015 and refreshed in 2025