View source for Operation While Impaired by Alcohol or Drug, Over 80, or Concentration Over Limit (Offence)

[[fr:Capacité de conduire affaiblie par l’alcool ou la drogue (infraction)]]
{{Currency2|January|2020}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderConveyances}}
{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle= Operation While Impaired by Alcohol or Drug 
|OffencePage= Operation While Impaired by Alcohol or Drug 
|Section=320.14
|Act={{OBCCC}} 
|CrownElection={{OBHybridElection}}
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll}}
|Bail= {{OBBailAll}} 
|SummaryDisp= {{OBDispFineorJail}}
|SummaryMin=$1,000 + 12 months Driving Prohib.(first)<br>30 days jail + 2 to 5 years Driving Prohib. (second)<br> 120 days + 3 or more years Driving Prohib. (three or more)
|SummaryMax= {{OBTwoYLess}} or $5,000 fine
|IndictableDisp= {{OBDispSame}}
|IndictableMin= ''same as summary'' 
|IndictableMax= {{OBTime|10, 14 years or life}} }}

==Overview==
{{seealso|Conveyance Offences}}
{{OverviewVIII.1|Operation While Impaired by Alcohol or Drug, Over 80, or Concentration Over Limit}}

Section 320.14 describes four distinct but related offences. 

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|
s. 320.14(1)(a) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(a)}}<br>
s. 320.14(1)(b) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(b)}}<br>
s. 320.14(1)(c) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(c)}}<br>
s. 320.14(1)(d) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(d)}}<br>
| {{Yes}} 
| {{Yes-IfCrown}}  | {{No-Under14}} }}

{{PleadingsSummaryList-N|
s. 320.14(4) {{DescrSec|320.14(4)}}
| {{No}} 
| {{No}} | {{No}} }} 
{{PleadingsEnd}}

{{PleadingsHybridElection|s. 320.14(1) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)}} }}

{{PleadingsSummary|s. 320.14(4) {{DescrSec|320.14(4)}} }}

{{IncreasedPenalty|s. 320.14 {{DescrSec|320.14}} }}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 320.14(1)(a) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(a)}}<br>
s. 320.14(1)(b) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(b)}}<br>
s. 320.14(1)(c) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(c)}}<br>
s. 320.14(1)(d) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)(d)}}
|| {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
|s. 320.14(4) {{DescrSec|320.14(4)}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 320.14(1) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)}} and (4) {{DescrSec|320.14(4)}}}}

:''<u>Reverse Onus Bail</u>''
{{ReverseOnusCirc}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 320.14 [all operation offences<Ref>Except after summary election has been made</ref>]}}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 320.14(1) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)}} || {{OKMark}} <!--wire--> || {{OKMark}} <!--DO-->||{{OKMark}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{OKMark}}
|-
|s. 320.14(4) {{DescrSec|320.14(4)}}|| {{XMark}} <!--wire--> || {{XMark}} <!--DO-->||{{XMark}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent-->|| {{XMark}} 
{{DesignationEnd}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}

==Offence Wording==
''Offence wording as of December 18, 2018'', see History below for previous versions.
{{quotation3|
; Operation while impaired
320.14 (1) Everyone commits an offence who
:(a) operates a conveyance while the person’s ability to operate it is impaired to any degree by alcohol or a drug or by a combination of alcohol and a drug;
:(b) subject to subsection (5) {{AnnSec3|320.14(5)}}, has, within two hours after ceasing to operate a conveyance, a blood alcohol concentration that is equal to or exceeds 80 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood;
:(c) subject to subsection (6) {{AnnSec3|320.14(6)}}, has, within two hours after ceasing to operate a conveyance, a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood drug concentration for the drug that is prescribed by regulation; or
:(d) subject to subsection (7) {{AnnSec3|320.14(7)}}, has, within two hours after ceasing to operate a conveyance, a blood alcohol concentration and a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood alcohol concentration and the blood drug concentration for the drug that are prescribed by regulation for instances where alcohol and that drug are combined.

{{Removed|(2) and (3)}}
; Operation — low blood drug concentration
(4) Subject to subsection (6) {{AnnSec3|320.14(6)}}, everyone commits an offence who has, within two hours after ceasing to operate a conveyance, a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood drug concentration for the drug that is prescribed by regulation and that is less than the concentration prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)(c)}}.

; Exception — alcohol
(5) No person commits an offence under paragraph (1)(b) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)(b)}} if
:(a) they consumed alcohol after ceasing to operate the conveyance;
:(b) after ceasing to operate the conveyance, they had no reasonable expectation that they would be required to provide a sample of breath or blood; and
:(c) their alcohol consumption is consistent with their blood alcohol concentration as determined in accordance with subsection 320.31(1) {{AnnSec3|320.31(1)}} or (2) {{AnnSec3|320.31(2)}} and with their having had, at the time when they were operating the conveyance, a blood alcohol concentration that was less than 80 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood.

; Exception — drugs
(6) No person commits an offence under paragraph (1)(c) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)(c)}} or subsection (4) {{AnnSec3|320.14(4)}} if
:(a) they consumed the drug after ceasing to operate the conveyance; and
:(b) after ceasing to operate the conveyance, they had no reasonable expectation that they would be required to provide a sample of a bodily substance.

; Exception — combination of alcohol and drug
(7) No person commits an offence under paragraph (1)(d) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)(d)}}  if
:(a) they consumed the drug or the alcohol or both after ceasing to operate the conveyance;
:(b) after ceasing to operate the conveyance, they had no reasonable expectation that they would be required to provide a sample of a bodily substance; and
:(c) their alcohol consumption is consistent with their blood alcohol concentration as determined in accordance with subsection 320.31(1) {{AnnSec3|320.31(1)}} or (2) {{AnnSec3|320.31(2)}} and with their having had, at the time when they were operating the conveyance, a blood alcohol concentration less than the blood alcohol concentration established under paragraph 320.38(c) {{AnnSec3|320.38(c)}}.
{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 15.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|320.14}}
|{{NoteUp|320.14|1|4|5|6|7}}
|{{terms-
|[[Conveyance_Offences#Conveyance|"conveyance" (s. 320.11)]]
|[[Conveyance Offences|"operate" (s. 320.11)]]
}}
}}

{{quotation3|
; Punishment
320.19 (1) Everyone who commits an offence under subsection 320.14(1) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)A}} or 320.15(1) {{AnnSec3|320.15(1)}} is liable on conviction on indictment or on summary conviction
:(a) to the following minimum punishment, namely,
::(i) for a first offence, a fine of $1,000,
::(ii) for a second offence, imprisonment for a term of 30 days, and
::(iii) for each subsequent offence, imprisonment for a term of 120 days;
:(b) if the offence is prosecuted by indictment, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; and
:(c) if the offence is punishable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day.

; Summary conviction
(2) Everyone who commits an offence under subsection 320.14(4) {{AnnSec3|320.14(4)}} is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000.

; Minimum fines for high blood alcohol concentrations
(3) Despite subparagraph (1)(a)(i) {{AnnSec3|320.19(1)(a)(i)}}, everyone who commits an offence under paragraph 320.14(1)(b) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)(b)}} is liable, for a first offence, to
:(a) a fine of not less than $1,500, if the person’s blood alcohol concentration is equal to or exceeds 120 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood but is less than 160 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood; and
:(b) a fine of not less than $2,000, if the person’s blood alcohol concentration is equal to or exceeds 160 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood.

{{removed|(4) and (5)}}
{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 15.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|320.19}}
|{{NoteUp|320.19|1|2|3}}
|{{terms-
|[[Definitions_of_Parties,_Persons,_Places_and_Organizations#Person|"person" (s. 2)]]
}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}
{{DraftHeader}}
|-
| 320.14(1)(a) (v1)
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, while his ability to operate a conveyance was impaired by alcohol, or a drug or a combination of alcohol and a drug, did operate a conveyance, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 320.14(1)(a) (v2)
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}} did operate a conveyance while his ability to operate it was impaired, to any degree, by alcohol or a drug or by a combination of alcohol and a drug, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 320.14(1)(b) 
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}} did, within two hours of ceasing to operate a conveyance, have a blood alcohol concentration that is equal to or exceeds 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 320.14(1)(c) 
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}} did, within two hours of ceasing to operate a conveyance, have a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the prescribed blood drug concentration, contrary to section 320.14(1)(c) of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 320.14(1)(d) 
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}} did, within two hours of ceasing to operate a conveyance, have a blood alcohol concentration and a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood alcohol concentration and the blood drug concentration for the drug that are prescribed by regulation, contrary to section 320.14(1)(d) of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 320.14(4) 
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}} did, within two hours of ceasing to operate a conveyance, have a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the prescribed blood drug concentration but less than the amount prescribed for an offence under s. 320.14(1)(c), contrary to section 320.14(4) of the ''Criminal Code''.
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offences==

{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}} <!--s. 320.14(1)(a) [Operation while impaired]-->

{{Proving|operating while impaired by drug or alcohol|320.14(1)(a)}}<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Andrews|1nnxf|1996 ABCA 23 (CanLII)|104 CCC (3d) 392}}{{perABCA|Conrad JA}} (2:1){{AtL|2dccz|31}} discusses impairment</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} The Culprit was operating a conveyance
# {{box}} the culprit was impaired at the time of operation
# {{box}} the impairment was by alcohol or drug 
# {{box}} The accused voluntarily consumed the alcohol or alcohol

{{ElementRight}} <!--s. 320.14(1)(b) [operation while blood alcohol over 80]-->
{{Proving|operating while BAC over 80|320.14(1)(b)}}<ref>
{{ibid1|Andrews}}{{AtL|2dccz|31}} discusses impairment</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} The culprit was operating a conveyance 
# {{box}} The Accused's BAC was over 80 at the time
## {{box}} each sample taken as soon as practicable after offence was committed
## {{box}} first sample taken not later than two hours 



{{ElementLeft}} <!--s. 320.14(1)(c) [operation while blood drug exceeds regs re drug]-->
{{Proving|operation while blood drug exceeds regs re drug|320.14(1)(c)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit's drug concentration equals or exceeds the regulated amount.
# {{box}} the culprit operated a conveyance within two hours from the time that the measurement of drug concentration was taken.

{{ElementRight}} <!--s. 320.14(1)(d) [operation while blood alcohol and drug exceeds regs re blood]-->
{{Proving|operation while blood alcohol and drug exceeds regs re blood|320.14(1)(d)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit's blood and drug concentrations equal or exceed the regulated amount.
# {{box}} the culprit operated a conveyance within two hours from the time that the measurement of drug concentration was taken.

{{ElementLeft}} <!--s. 320.14(4) [Operation with low blood drug concentrations]-->
{{Proving|Operation with low blood drug concentrations|320.14(4)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit's drug concentration equals or exceeds the regulated amount.
# {{box}} the culprit's drug concentration is less than the amount set by regulation for an offence under s. 320.14(1)(c).
# {{box}} the culprit operated a conveyance within two hours from the time that the measurement of drug concentration was taken.

{{ElementRight}}

{{ElementEnd}}
<!--
If there is a ''blended voir dire'' Charter application on detention (e.g. sufficiency of grounds), arrest, or right to counsel, then the Crown should prove:
# ...
-->

{{reflist|2}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==
Generally, the "evil" that the offence seeks to address is the combination of alcohol and motor vehicles as it tends to "breed danger."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Saunders v The Queen|1xcwz|1967 CanLII 56 (SCC)|[1967] SCR 284}}{{perSCC-H|Fauteux J}}<br>
</ref>

The objective of criminalizing impair driving is to "discourage intoxicated people from even placing themselves in a position where they could set a vehicle in motion, while at the same time providing a way for a person to avoid liability when there was a reason for entering the vehicle other than to set it in motion."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Whyte|1ftd1|1988 CanLII 47 (SCC)|[1988] 42 CCC (3d) 97}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}}{{atL|1ftd1|47}}<br>
</ref>

The police do not simply have the statutory authority to investigate driver sobriety, but also have a legal duty to investigate.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Orbanski|1l0b0|2005 SCC 37 (CanLII)|[2005] 2 SCR 3}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Investigation===
[[File:Impaired_Driving.png|900px|thumb|Investigation of Impairment/Over 80]]
There is a two-stage process whereby an officer may demand that a driver take a roadside screening test where the officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver has alcohol in his body. The second step allows the officer to demand a breathalyzer test where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver committed an impaired driving offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Flight|g711g|2014 ABCA 185 (CanLII)|313 CCC (3d) 442}}{{perABCA|Veldhuis JA}}{{atsL|g711g|31| to 33}}</ref>

The roadside screening device is not necessary in all circumstances. Its purpose is only to assist in forming reasonable grounds, which can sometimes be obtained by other means.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Fogarty|gg0n3|2015 NSCA 6 (CanLII)|320 CCC (3d) 348}}{{perNSCA|Fichaud JA}} - example of RPG formed without roadside screening
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Mens Rea of Impaired Driving===
The charge of impaired driving is a general intent offence.
<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Charles|fvkl4|2013 BCSC 23 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Sigurdson J}}{{atL|fvkl4|40}}</ref>

Part of the ''mens rea'' of the offence of impaired driving is made out by the accused's voluntary consumption of alcohol for the purpose of becoming intoxication ''or'' the accused "acting recklessly, aware that impairment could result, but persisting despite the risk". 
<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Mavin|26z71|1997 CanLII 14625 (NL CA)|154 Nfld. & PEIR 242}}{{perNLCA|Marshall JA}}{{atsL|26z71|37| to 39}}<br>
{{supra1|Charles}}{{atL|fvkl4|41}}<br>
</ref>

It is not necessary that the accused have actual knowledge of the effects of drugs or alcohol. Proof of recklessness is sufficient.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Pomeroy|1qd7h|2007 BCSC 142 (CanLII)|41 MVR (5th) 272}}{{perBCSC|Romilly J}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Honish|1fs6d|1993 CanLII 156 (SCC)|[1993] 1 SCR 458}}{{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}<br>
</ref>

Where the voluntary consumption of alcohol is proven, there is a rebuttable presumption the ''mens rea'' is made out.
<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|King|1tvrn|1962 CanLII 16 (SCC)|[1962] SCR 746}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}}{{atp|763}} (SCR) ("The existence of mens rea as an essential ingredient of an offence and the method of proving the existence of that ingredient are two different things, and I am of opinion that when it has been proved that a driver was driving a motor vehicle while his ability to do so was impaired by alcohol or a drug, then a rebuttable presumption arises that his condition was voluntarily induced and that he is guilty of the offence created by s. 223 and must be convicted unless other evidence is adduced which raises a reasonable doubt as to whether he was, through no fault of his own, disabled when he undertook to drive and drove, from being able to appreciate and know that he was or might become impaired.")<br>
</ref>
It is a point of "common experience" that consumption of alcohol or a drug is intoxicating and may result in impairment of a person's ability to operate a conveyance.<ref>
{{ibid1|King}}
</ref>

The intent to be impaired can be negated in certain circumstances where the accused's drink may have been drugged.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRx|Sitarz|fsnvm|2012 ONCJ 561 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Caldwell J}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Levels of Impairment===

; s. 320.14(1)(c)
{|cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="1"  style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:80%; <!--width:100% -->;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Drug  !! Concentration
|-
|1 ||	Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)||  5 ng/mL of blood
|-
|2 ||	Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) ||	Any detectable level
|-
|3 ||	Psilocybin ||	Any detectable level
|-
|4 ||	Psilocin ||	Any detectable level
|-
|5 ||	Phencyclidine (PCP) ||	Any detectable level
|-
|6 ||	6-Monoacetylmorphine ||	Any detectable level
|-
|7 ||	Ketamine ||	Any detectable level
|-
|8 ||	Cocaine ||	Any detectable level
|-
|9 ||	Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) || 5 mg/L of blood
|-
|10 ||	Methamphetamine || Any detectable level
|}

; s. 320.14(1)(d)
{|cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="1"  style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:80%; <!--width:100% -->;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Substance !! Concentration
|-
|1 || blood alcohol || 50mg/100mL
|-
|2 || tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) blood  || 2.5ng/1mL
|}

; s. 320.14(4)
{|cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="1"  style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:80%; <!--width:100% -->;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Substance !! Concentration
|-
|1 || tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) blood  || 2ng/1mL
|}

===Regulations===
* [http://canlii.ca/t/944k Blood Drug Concentration Regulations], SOR/2018-148
* [http://canlii.ca/t/95th Approved Drug Screening Equipment Order], SOR/2018-179
* [http://canlii.ca/t/7x3p Approved Breath Analysis Instruments Order], SI/85-201
* [http://canlii.ca/t/7z33 Order Approving Blood Sample Containers], SOR/2005-37
* [http://canlii.ca/t/54rsx Approved Screening Devices Order], SI/85-200

===Issues===

* [[Arrest and Detention]]
* [[Screening for Drugs or Alcohol]]
* [[Right to Counsel]]
* [[Proof of Impairment by Drugs or Alcohol]]
* [[Admission of Breath or Blood Sample]]
* [[Blood Sample Warrants in Impaired Driving Investigations]]
* [[Disclosure of Third Party Records#Calibration Records of Screen Devices and Approved Instruments|Disclosure of Calibration Records of Screen Devices and Approved Instruments]]
; Prior to December 2018
* [[Screening Device (Until December 13, 2018)]]
* [[Breath Sample Demand (Until December 13, 2018)]]
* [[Blood Sample Seizure in Impaired Driving Investigations (Until December 13, 2018)]]
* [[Proof of Blood Alcohol Levels (Until December 13, 2018)]]
* [[Operation, Care or Control of a Vehicle (Until December 13, 2018)]]
* [[Refusal to Give a Sample (Until December 13, 2018)]]

==Kienapple Principle==
[[Kienapple Principle|Kienapple]] does not prevent a conviction for dangerous driving causing death or bodily harm and impaired driving causing bodily harm or death. The first offence concerns the ability to operate a vehicle while the second offence focuses on the manner in which the vehicle was operated.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ramage|2bkq5|2010 ONCA 488 (CanLII)|257 CCC (3d) 261}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}}{{atsL|2bkq5|59| to 66}}</ref>

The offence of impaired care and control of a motor vehicle is an included offence of impaired operation of a motor vehicle.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Pawluk|hn8wm|2017 ONCA 863 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Paciocco JA}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Available Defences==
* [[Necessity]]

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS -->
|s. 320.14(1)(a) {{DescrSec|320.14(1)}} || {{OKMark-SPIO-Indict}} ||{{OKMark-Indict}} || {{OKMark-Loss}} || {{OKMark}}
|-
|s. 320.14(4) {{DescrSec|320.14(4)}} || || ||
|-
{{VictimEnd}}<!--
{{606Notice5Y|XX}}
{{606NoticeSPIO|XX}}
-->
{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==

; Maximum Penalties
{{SProfileMaxHeader}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 320.14 and 320.19 | {{Summary}} | {{Max2YearsLess}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 320.14 and 320.19 | {{Indictment}} | {{Max10Years}} }}
{{SProfileEnd}}
Offences under s. 320.14 and 320.19 are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is '''{{Max5Years}}''' incarceration. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is '''10 years less a day jail'''.

; Minimum Penalties
{{SProfileMinHeader‎}}

{{SProfileMin|s. 320.14 and 320.19|No prior               | '''$1,000 fine''' or '''{{Min30Days}}'''| {{SProfileSame}} }}
{{SProfileMin|s. 320.14 and 320.19|With one or more prior |''' {{Min120Days}}'''                    | {{SProfileSame}} }}

{{SProfileEnd}}

For offences under s. 320.14 and 320.19, the minimum penalty is a '''$1,000 fine''', '''{{Min30Days}}''' jail with a prior conviction, or '''{{Min120Days}}''' jail with two or more prior convictions.

There is some suggestion that a jail sentence can substitute for a fine, where there is no prior record.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hatcher|1n9j6|2000 NFCA 38 (CanLII)|146 CCC (3d) 426}}{{perNLCA|Wells CJ}} (3:0){{atL|1n9j6|19}}<br>
</ref>

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 320.19 || any || {{OKMark}} (**) || {{XMark}} || {{OKMark}} (**) || {{OKMark}}   || {{OKMark}}  || {{OKMark}}  || {{XMark}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}<ref>(**) Availability may vary</ref>

For offences under s. 320.19 without any prior convictions, discharges are not available. 

For offences under s. 320.19 with a prior conviction, discharges, suspended sentences, stand-alone fines and conditional sentences are not available.

Despite any mandatory minimum penalties, the judge has discretion to substitute a mandatory sentence with a [[Curative Discharges|curative discharge]] for convictions under s. 253, which includes impaired driving and operating a vehicle with BAC level over 80mg/ml.<ref>
Discharges are ''not'' available in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, or Newfoundland
</ref>

Section 731(1)(a) precludes the use of suspended sentences where there are mandatory minimums.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Berner|fx6j8|2013 BCCA 188 (CanLII)|297 CCC (3d) 69}}{{TheCourtBCCA}}{{atL|fx6j8|36}}<br>
</ref>

; Consecutive Sentences
{{NoConsecutive}}

{{quotation2|
; Earlier and subsequent offences
320.26 In determining, for the purpose of imposing a sentence for an offence under subsection 320.14(1) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)A}} or 320.15(1) {{AnnSec3|320.15(1)}}, whether the offence is a second, third or subsequent offence, any of the following offences for which the offender was previously convicted is considered to be an earlier offence:
:(a) an offence under any of subsections 320.14(1) to (3) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1) to (3)}} or section 320.15 {{AnnSec3|320.15}}; or
:(b) an offence under any of sections 253 {{AnnSec2|253}}, 254 {{AnnSec2|254}} and 255 {{AnnSec2|255}}, as those sections read from time to time before the day on which this section comes into force.

{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 15.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|320.26}}
|{{NoteUp|320.26}}
}}

{{reflist|2}}
===Principles===
Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada.<ref>
Government of Canada, Health Canada “Backgrounder: Changes to Impaired Driving Laws” [https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2017/04/backgrounder_changestoimpaireddrivinglaws.html]</ref>

There is a "pressing" need to address the problems that impaired driving creates.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ladouceur|1fsvs|1990 CanLII 108 (SCC)|[1990] 1 SCR 1257}}{{perSCC-H|Sopinka J}}{{atL|1fsvs|42}}
</ref>

Impaired driving causes "the most significant social loss to the country."<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Beaudry|1qbk6|2007 SCC 5 (CanLII)|[2007] 1 SCR 190}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}{{atL|1qbk6|42}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bernshaw|1frmf|1995 CanLII 150 (SCC)|[1995] 1 SCR 254}}{{Plurality}} ("a far greater impact on Canadian society than any other crime")</ref>
Every impaired driver is a "potential killer."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lahiry|fntws|2011 ONSC 6780 (CanLII)|283 CCC (3d) 525}}{{perONSC|Code J}}{{atL|fntws|89}}<br>
</ref>
Every years impaired driving leaves a trail of "death, injury, heartbreak and destruction."<ref>
{{supra1|Bernshaw}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}{{atL|1frmf|16}} ("Every year, drunk driving leaves a terrible trail of death, injury, heartbreak and destruction.  From the point of view of numbers alone, it has a far greater impact on Canadian society than any other crime.  In terms of the deaths and serious injuries resulting in hospitalization, drunk driving is clearly the crime which causes the most significant social loss to the country.")
</ref>

The predominant objectives to be considered is general deterrence and denunciation.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Clouthier|gnmxl|2016 ONCA 197 (CanLII)|129 OR (3d) 481}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|gnmxl|54}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Squires|2f0xp|1995 CanLII 9848 (NL CA)|405 APR 84 }}{{perNLCA|Gushue JA}}{{atp|5}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|McVeigh|1npmp|1985 CanLII 115 (ON CA)|22 CCC (3d) 145}}{{perONCA|MacKinnon CJ}}{{atp|150}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Proulx|527b|2000 SCC 5 (CanLII)|[2000] 1 SCR 61}}{{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}{{atL|527b|129}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Lépine|1qcrc|2007 QCCA 70 (CanLII)|[2007] JQ no 282}}{{TheCourtQCCA}}{{atL|1qcrc|21}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Brutus|24mrc|2009 QCCA 1382 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtQCCA}}{{atL|24mrc|18}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Stimson|2frml|2011 ABCA 59 (CanLII)|499 AR 185}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atL|2frml|21}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|McIlwrick|21qxr|2008 ABQB 724 (CanLII)|461 AR 16}}{{perABQB|Ross J}}{{atL|21qxr|69}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Junkert|2c16d|2010 ONCA 549 (CanLII)|103 OR (3d) 284}}{{perONCA|O'Connor ACJ}}{{atsL|2c16d|46| to 47}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Ruizfuentes|2d0wf|2010 MBCA 90 (CanLII)|258 Man. R. (2d) 220}}{{perMBCA|Chartier JA}}{{atL|2d0wf|36}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Lacasse|gml9v|2015 SCC 64 (CanLII)|[2015] 3 SCR 1089}}{{perSCC|Wagner J}}{{AtL|gml9v|5}} ("In the context of offences such as the ones in the case at bar, namely impaired driving causing either bodily harm or death, courts from various parts of the country have held that the objectives of deterrence and denunciation must be emphasized in order to convey society’s condemnation")<br>
</ref>

The lack of bodily harm or death is not necessarily eliminate the need to protect the public.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Riggs|2fs79|2011 NLTD 26 (CanLII)|951 APR 54}}{{perNLCA|Handrigan JA}}{{atL|2fs79|37}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Jacobs|2f0q8|1982 ABCA 204 (CanLII)|70 CCC (2d) 569}}{{perABCA|Laycraft JA}} (3:0)<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Connolly|1chss|2002 CanLII 41923 (NLPC)|[2002] NJ No 40 (P.C.)}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}{{atL|1chss|18}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Alexson|g8cx4|1987 CanLII 4900 (SK CA)|7 MVR (2d) 95 (Sask CA)}}{{perSKCA|Tallis JA}} (3:0)</ref> 
The Court can consider the risk of potential harm from the offender's conduct.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Woodward|fsxr7|1993 CanLII 8183 (NL CA)|108 Nfld & PEIR 240 (NLCA)}}{{perNLCA|Steele JA}}</ref>

Deterrence and denunciation are especially important objectives when bodily harm is caused to another person.<ref>
{{supra1|Clouthier}}{{atL|gnmxl|54}} ("The predominant sentencing objectives in determining a fit sentence for alcohol-driving offences, especially those in which bodily harm is caused to a fellow human being, are general deterrence and denunciation") <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Junkert|2c16d|2010 ONCA 549 (CanLII)|103 OR (3d) 284}}{{perONCA|O'Connor ACJ}} (3:0){{atsL|2c16d|42| and 47}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Biancofiore|6hjk|1997 CanLII 3420 (ON CA)|35 OR (3d) 782}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}} (3:0){{atps|790-92}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Factors===
{{quotation2|
; Aggravating circumstances for sentencing purposes
320.22 A court imposing a sentence for an offence under any of sections 320.13 to 320.18 [''all conveyance offences''] shall consider, in addition to any other aggravating circumstances, the following:
:(a) the commission of the offence resulted in bodily harm to, or the death of, more than one person;
:(b) the offender was operating a motor vehicle in a race with at least one other motor vehicle or in a contest of speed, on a street, road or highway or in another public place;
:(c) a person under the age of 16 years was a passenger in the conveyance operated by the offender;
:(d) the offender was being remunerated for operating the conveyance;
:(e) the offender’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of committing the offence was equal to or exceeded 120 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood;
:(f) the offender was operating a large motor vehicle; and
:(g) the offender was not permitted, under a federal or provincial Act, to operate the conveyance.

{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 15.
|{{CCCSec2|320.22}}
|{{NoteUp|320.22}}
}}

Aggravating factors:
* BAC reading, esp. if exceeding 160mg (s. 255.1)
* other signs of a high degree of impairment
* injuries to other persons
* prior alcohol-related convictions, including dates

See also: {{CanLIIRP|Musseau|27qrw|2010 CanLII 2539 (NLPC)|[2010] NJ No 25 (P.C.)}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}


{{reflist|2}}

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Impaired Driving, Over 80 and Refusal}}
Generally, a custodial sentence is required when bodily harm is caused.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Clouthier|gnmxl|2016 ONCA 197 (CanLII)|346 OAC 162}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|gnmxl|55}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Biancofiore|6hjk|1997 CanLII 3420 (ON CA)|119 CCC (3d) 344}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atp|791}}<br>
</ref>

In Manitoba, impaired causing bodily harm will typically involve a range of sentence from 3 to 18 months.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|MacDonald|1flcz|1999 CanLII 5083 (MB CA)|139 CCC (3d) 524}}{{perMBCA|Twaddle JA}} (2:1)
</ref>

In Nova Scotia, the range of sentence for impaired driving causing death with no prior record is 2 to 5 years.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Morine|2fkrr|2011 NSSC 46 (CanLII)|945 APR 314}}{{perNSSC|Rosinski J}}{{atL|2fkrr|79}}</ref>

; Persistent or Repeat Offenders
The protection of the public is paramount in sentencing "offenders who persistently drive motor vehicles when they are impaired or disqualified."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Clarke|g2dc3|2013 SKCA 130 (CanLII)|56 MVR (6th) 163}}{{perSKCA|Jackson JA}} (3:0){{atL|g2dc3|10}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Curative Discharges===
The only exception to the mandatory minimums is where a [[Discharges#Curative Discharge|curative discharge]] is ordered by the court (only available in certain provinces).

{{quotation2|
; Delay of sentencing
320.23 (1) The court may, with the consent of the prosecutor and the offender, and after considering the interests of justice, delay sentencing of an offender who has been found guilty of an offence under subsection 320.14(1) {{AnnSec3|320.14(1)}} or 320.15(1) {{AnnSec3|320.15(1)}} to allow the offender to attend a treatment program approved by the province in which the offender resides. If the court delays sentencing, it shall make an order prohibiting the offender from operating, before sentencing, the type of conveyance in question, in which case subsections 320.24(6) to (9) {{AnnSec3|320.24(6) to (9)}} apply.

; Exception to minimum punishment
(2) If the offender successfully completes the treatment program, the court is not required to impose the minimum punishment under section 320.19 or to make a prohibition order under section 320.24 {{AnnSec3|320.24}}, but it shall not direct a discharge under section 730 {{AnnSec7|730}}.

{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 15
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec|320.23}}
|{{NoteUp|320.23|1|2}}
}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}
	
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}
|-
| [[DNA Orders]]
|
s. 320.14(1)(a) [Operation while impaired],<br>
320.14(1)(b) [operation while over 80],<br>
320.14(1)(c) [operation while blood drug exceeds regs re drug],<br>
320.14(1)(d) [operation while blood drug exceeds regs re blood],<br>
|
* {{SecondDNA(AorB)Hybrid|s. 320.14(1)}}
|-
| [[Driving Prohibition Orders|Driving Prohibition]] (320.24) || s. 320.14(1) || Min. 1 year (1st time), 2 years (2nd time), 3 years (3rd time or more)
|-
| [[Forfeiture Orders|Forfeiture of Vehicle]] || ||
{{AOrderEnd}}

Offences under 320.14(4) [Operation with low blood drug concentrations] are ''not'' eligible for a DNA Order.

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

==Record Suspensions and Pardons== 
{{RecordSuspension|s. 320.14 }}

==History==
{{seealso|List of Criminal Code Amendments|Table of Concordance (Criminal Code)}}
* [[History Impaired Driving and Over 80 Offences]]

On December 18, 2018, the provisions relating to impaired driving were removed and replaced with new provisions found between s. 320.13 to 320.18.

==See Also==
* [[Refusal (Offence)]]
* [[Operation While Impaired by Alcohol or Drug and Refusal (Repealed Offence)]] Offence prior to December 2018
* [[Impaired Driving and Over 80 (Offence Cases)]]
* [[Causation]]
; References
* [[Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist]]

{{OffencesNavBar/MotorVehicles}}