Operating a motor vehicle, or for that matter even a bicycle or other human-powered vehicle, after consuming alcohol or other drugs so that mental and motor skills are impaired is recognized as an act of driving under the influence (DUI) or drunk driving. Illegal in most jurisdictions, drunk driving is responsible for a large number of deaths, injuries, and accidents every year throughout the world.
The name of the specific criminal offence, depending on the jurisdiction, may be driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVI), driving under the influence [of alcohol or other drugs] (DUI), or drunk in charge [of a vehicle]. Such laws are valid for boating or piloting aircraft, also.
The guilt of the driver may be established by subjective tests of his impairment, or the measurement of his blood alcohol content (BAC). BAC is expressed in terms of milligrams of alcohol per milliliters of blood, or as a percentage.
These impairments are in addition to the constant risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. Individuals who drive while drowsy put their fellow motorists in danger, as they may fail to carry out the basic safety measures that drivers are expected to follow when driving.
Drivers who drive while tired may fail to react to obstructions in the road or may fail to see oncoming traffic. Additionally, individuals who fall asleep behind the wheel are more likely to veer off road or into other lanes of traffic.
Drowsy driving affects much more than just the tired driver. His or her passengers are put in immediate danger, as are fellow motorists who share the road with the tired driver.
For the impaired driving with regards to Criminal Code sets minimum penalties. Additionally, the court can set extra-punishments due to circumstances. The summons for this offense will also influence your driving license. For more detailed information look at the scheme below.
For a first offence: A fine of at least $600; A prohibition from driving for at least one year and up to three years
For a second offence: At least 14 days in prison; A prohibition from driving for at least two years and up to five years
For subsequent offences: At least 90 days in prison; A prohibition from driving for at least three years and up to a lifetime ban
In addition, for impaired driving you may be asked to participate in “Back on Track Course” for term, defined by court. One more additional point for this offense can be the installation of an Ignition Interlock System on your car. It is an alcohol screening device. The term of it is also defined by court. Note, that you install it at your own cost. “Back on Track Course” is not for free either.