Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long is a driver's licence immediately suspended following an alcohol-impaired driving offence?
A: The licence is immediately suspended for a period of 90 days.

Q2: Is it possible to file an application for review following an immediate 90-day licence suspension for alcohol-impaired driving?
A: Yes, it is possible to file an application for review with the SAAQ. If the SAAQ upholds the suspension, it is possible to file an application for review with the Administrative Tribunal of Québec.

Q3: What is the reference period used to determine what constitutes a repeat offence in the case of alcohol-impaired driving?
A: The reference period used to determine what constitutes a repeat offence is 10 years.

Q4: Under the Highway Safety Code, what measures are provided for upon an initial conviction for alcohol-impaired driving?

• The driver's licence is revoked for a period of 1 year (3 years if the driver's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests for offences that are committed as of December 6, 2009);
• A mandatory summary assessment conducted through the Programme d'évaluation des conducteurs automobile (PECA), administered by the Association des centres de réadaptation en dépendance du Québec, to immediately detect the risk of a repeat offence;
• If the assessment is favourable, the driver is required to successfully complete the Alcofrein education program;
• If the assessment is unfavourable, the driver will be required to undergo a comprehensive assessment. Furthermore, convicted offenders who would like to obtain a new driver's licence will be required to use an alcohol ignition interlock device for 1 year (2 years if the driver's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests).

Q5: What measures are provided for under the Highway Safety Code following a 2nd conviction for alcohol-impaired driving?

• The driver's licence is revoked for a period of 3 years (5 years if the driver's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests);
• A mandatory comprehensive assessment conducted through the Programme d'évaluation des conducteurs automobile (PECA), administered by the Association des centres de réadaptation en dépendance du Québec, to determine if the offender's behaviour with respect to alcohol is compatible with the safe operation of a vehicle;
• The driver must use a mandatory alcohol ignition interlock device for 2 years when obtaining a new licence (3 years if the driver's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or for a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests, or mandatory use of the device for life if convicted of a 2nd offence with a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests).

Q6: What measures are provided for under the Highway Safety Code following a 3rd or subsequent conviction for alcohol-impaired driving?

• The driver's licence is revoked for a period of 5 years;
• A mandatory comprehensive assessment conducted through the Programme d'évaluation des conducteurs automobile (PECA), administered by the Association des centres de réadaptation en dépendance du Québec, to determine if the driver's behaviour with respect to alcohol is compatible with the safe operation of a vehicle;
• The driver must use a mandatory alcohol ignition interlock device for 3 years when obtaining a new licence (or use an alcohol ignition interlock device for life if the driver has two of the following convictions on record: driving with a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml or a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests).

Q7: What is an alcohol ignition interlock device?
A: Certified by the SAAQ, this device prevents a vehicle from starting when it detects the presence of alcohol in the driver's body from a sample of his or her breath.

Q8: How many people are victims of road accidents due to alcohol?
A: Alcohol and speed remain the main causes of road accidents. Alcohol is responsible for almost 32% of deaths, 16% of serious injuries and 5% of minor injuries. In 2006, this meant more than 200 deaths, 600 serious injuries and 2,300 minor injuries.

Q9: Do elderly drivers present the highest risk on the road?
A: Elderly drivers are not represented in statistics more than drivers in other age groups. Furthermore, the elderly drive fewer kilometres than other drivers and they exercise greater caution given their diminished physical capacities (vision, hearing, reflexes).

Q10: Do elderly drivers have to undergo medical examinations in order to drive?
A: A medical examination is required to renew a driver's licence when an individual reaches the age of 75 and 80. Thereafter, a medical examination is required every 2 years.

Q11: Is the use of a cell phone a risk factor for accidents?
A: Yes, cell phones are a source of distraction for drivers. In fact, anything that can distract drivers from their main task, which is to concentrate on the road, increases the risk of accident (talking with a passenger, smoking, eating, adjusting the radio, etc.). That is why the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving is prohibited.