Impaired Driving and Zero Tolerance for Novice Drivers

Last verified: 2026-11-05 · Source: ontario.ca

This page is not official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) material and may not reflect the latest rules. Always confirm current requirements at ontario.ca or with a ServiceOntario centre before relying on it.

This is one of the most important rules for new drivers: every G1 and G2 licence holder, at any age, must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero while driving. This is a condition of the licence itself under the Highway Traffic Act, not just a guideline.

  • A G1 driver’s supervising driver must also keep BAC under .05 — and zero if that supervisor is 21 or under.
  • The same zero-tolerance rule applies to cannabis, and to anyone 21 or under regardless of what licence class they hold.
  • Being caught with any alcohol in your system at the roadside brings an immediate 24-hour licence suspension. A conviction can bring a fine and at least a 30-day suspension, separate from demerit points.

This rule doesn’t end when you get your full G licence if you’re under 22 — the age-based zero-BAC rule still applies. Confirm current rules at ontario.ca.

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