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Alcohol and Drug Limits
- 1/13The immediate effect of drugs and alcohol on a driver
Drugs and alcohol directly impair cognitive and physical responses of the driver, leading to mental confusion and slower reaction times. These are critical hazards.
The only way to lower blood alcohol content (BAC) or sober up
Only time can reduce BAC. Food, coffee, cold showers, or exercise do not speed up alcohol elimination from the system.
The significant risk when many drugs combine with even small amounts of alcohol
Many drugs greatly increase impairment when combined with even small amounts of alcohol.
The mandated BAC limit for drivers holding a learner licence in B.C.
Drivers with a learner licence must not drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. This rule also applies to novice drivers.
Consequences for a learner or novice driver violating zero alcohol or drug restrictions
If a learner or novice driver violates these restrictions, they may receive an immediate roadside suspension or prohibition, which is recorded on their driving record.
The legal BAC limit for fully licensed drivers in British Columbia
For fully licensed drivers in British Columbia, the legal BAC limit is 0.05 percent.
Potential penalties for a fully licensed driver with a BAC between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent
If a police officer detects a fully licensed driver having BAC between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent, they may issue a roadside prohibition.
The BAC level or action that can lead to criminal charges for a fully licensed driver in B.C.
Criminal charges, including license suspensions and fines, apply for BACs above 0.08 percent. Immediate and severe penalties also apply for refusing to provide a breath sample.
A condition under which a police officer can prohibit a driver in B.C., even without specific BAC or BDC levels being met
A police officer has the authority to prohibit a driver if they believe the ability of the driver is affected by alcohol or drugs, even if BAC is not over .08 percent or BDC is not 2 nanograms or more THC.
The potential impact of even small amounts of alcohol on a driver
In some cases, even small amounts of alcohol can lead to a driver being impaired.
The typical penalty for a fully licensed driver on their first offense with a BAC between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent
A first offense of having blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent typically results in a 3-day vehicle impoundment.
Additional consequences for fully licensed drivers with higher BAC levels, beyond suspensions and fines
Higher BAC levels among the drivers lead to severe consequences such as possible vehicle impoundment and mandatory education programs.
If a learner or novice driver violates zero blood alcohol or drug concentration restrictions
Any violations of zero blood alcohol or drug concentration restrictions for learner or novice drivers are officially recorded on their driving record.