Impaired driving is one of the most heavily enforced offences in Alberta and in 2025, Calgary drivers are facing stricter rules, tougher penalties, and more roadside checks than ever before. Whether you live in Calgary, drive for work, or you’re visiting Alberta, it’s important to understand how these laws work. A single impaired driving charge can affect your license, your job, your insurance, and even your immigration status.

This guide breaks down the key things every Calgary driver must know about drunk and drug-impaired driving laws in 2025 — in clear, simple language.

 

1. Updated BAC Limits in Alberta (2025)

 

Alberta uses a tiered system. The higher your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is when driving, the more serious the consequences.

 

BAC Over 0.08 – Criminal Charge

 

A BAC over 0.08 can be a criminal offence under Canada’s Criminal Code. Penalties for a first offence include:

• Immediate 90-day license suspension
• 1-year ignition interlock (mandatory)
• 30-day vehicle impoundment
• A criminal record and possible jail time
• Major insurance increases

A conviction can affect travel, employment, and your long-term future.

 

BAC 0.05-0.079 – Administrative Penalties

 

This level is not a criminal charge, but Alberta’s administrative penalties are still serious:

• 3-day license suspension
• 3-day vehicle seizure
• Fines and fees

Repeat offences increase sharply. Suspensions can reach 30 days.

 

Zero BAC for GDL Drivers

 

If you’re in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, the rule is simple:

Any alcohol = penalties.

Even a small amount can lead to:

• • Immediate suspension
  • Vehicle seizure
  • Extended GDL restrictions

 

2. Drug-Impaired Driving in Calgary (2025)

 

Impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol. Alberta has strict limits for cannabis, illegal drugs, and even prescription medication.

 

THC Limits

 

• 5 ng/mL THC or more → Criminal impaired driving
• 2–5 ng/mL THC → Lesser offence, but still serious

Mixing alcohol and cannabis leads to some of the toughest penalties. Calgary Police Service continues to expand the use of oral fluid testers, meaning roadside drug screening is faster and more accurate in 2025.

 

3. Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) – Alberta’s Tough System

 

Alberta’s IRS model is one of the strictest in Canada. Police can issue penalties right at the roadside, even without a criminal conviction.

IRS: Fail (Over 0.08 or Drug Impairment)

 

A “Fail” reading means:

• 90-day license suspension
• 1-year ignition interlock
• 30-day vehicle seizure
• Mandatory courses or treatment
• Large fines and reinstatement fees

 

IRS: Warn (0.05–0.079)

 

A “Warn” reading leads to:

• 3–30 day suspension (depending on history)
• 3–7 day vehicle seizure
• Remedial courses for repeat offences

These penalties start immediately and can affect your work, family, and mobility the same day.

 

4. Criminal Penalties for Impaired Driving in Calgary

 

On top of roadside sanctions, criminal charges come with heavy long-term consequences.

First Offence

 

• Minimum $1,000 fine
• Possible jail
• One-year ignition interlock
• Criminal record
• Long-term insurance impact

 

Second or Subsequent Offence

 

• Mandatory jail time
• Long driving prohibitions
• Multi-year interlock
• Major impact on travel and employment

Impaired driving causing bodily harm or death carries extremely serious penalties, including long prison sentences.

 

5. What Happens During a DUI Traffic Stop in Calgary?

 

Calgary Police have broad authority to stop any driver and ask for screening tests. They do not need a reason to believe you’re impaired.

You may be asked to provide:

• Mandatory roadside breath test
• Field sobriety tests
• Oral fluid drug test
• Station breathalyzer test
• Drug recognition evaluation (DRE)

Refusing any of these tests carries penalties equal to or worse than failing them.

 

6. Can a Calgary DUI Charge Be Challenged?

 

Yes. Alberta’s laws are strict, but DUI and impaired driving charges can be challenged — especially with an experienced defence lawyer.

Common defence arguments include:

• Improper police procedure
• Charter rights violations
• Breathalyzer calibration issues
• Medical issues affecting results
• Unlawful traffic stop
• Inaccurate roadside testing

A skilled DUI lawyer can often reduce penalties, restore driving privileges, or challenge the validity of the test.

 

7. How to Avoid a Drunk or Drugged Driving Charge in 2025

 

With Calgary’s increased enforcement, the safest choices are simple:

• Plan a ride before drinking.
• Use Uber, Lyft, taxis, or a designated driver.
• Be careful the morning after — alcohol and drugs can stay in your system.
• Know how your medication affects you.
• Understand that “just one or two drinks” can still put you over.

The only truly safe approach is to drive with zero alcohol or drugs in your system.

 

Conclusion

 

Calgary’s impaired driving laws in 2025 are some of the strictest in the country. With tougher enforcement, expanded drug testing, and harsh penalties, every driver needs to stay informed. Protecting your license, your job, and your future starts with understanding the law and making smart choices on the road.

If you’re facing a drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, or refusal charge in Calgary, get help right away.

 

Get Fast Help Today

 

JustCharged.com is Canada’s trusted place to find experienced DUI and criminal driving defence lawyers.

In minutes, you can connect with:

• Skilled Calgary DUI lawyers
• Experienced impaired driving defence counsel
• Lawyers who understand Alberta’s IRS model
• Professionals who know how to protect your rights

When everything is on the line – your license, your record, your future – getting the right legal help matters. Visit JustCharged.com today for fast, confidential support. Your defence starts here.