CAA Quebec: first-offence DUI can cost $7,000
By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos
Although we'd like to think that everybody understands that drinking and driving is a horrible idea and everyone promises they'll never do it again, that would be completely naive. But if common sense doesn't have an impact, perhaps real dollars and cents will. According to CAA Quebec, a first-time offense of driving under the influence (DUI) can cost $7,000.
The organization breaks it down this way: The minimum fine - the minimum - is $1,000 and the minimum amount of time your drivers licence is suspended for is 90 days. Three months! Minimum. Think about the cost of taking taxis, transit, carpooling, etc., for three months. And that also includes anything with an engine including motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats and planes.
Also, in Quebec, convicted drivers are also required to attend an alcohol rehab program that runs for $300.
Additionally, your insurance premiums may increase by as much as 400 per cent in the first year, taking at least an extra $3,000 out of your pocket. And CAA Quebec also reminds you that these charges stay on your criminal record, which can make it difficult to travel outside of Canada too.
Their advise? Easy. Take transit, cabs, use free programs like Operation Red Nose, which gives you a lift home from wherever you are if you've been drinking. And if you're a CAA Quebec member, you are qualified for one free drive home from them too.
So let's be smart this year, right?
Photo courtesy peterfeije @ sxc.hu
Justin Couture
Mark Atkinson
John LeBlanc
Posted by: JaH Ree | 2012-12-19 9:25:48 AM
Why can't the rest of Canada adopt these strict penalties?
Posted by: Kim | 2012-12-19 9:59:38 AM
That is the minimum. In Ontario you have to install a device in your vehicle that detects alcoholalong with upkeep an maintaince on it. Then there are the fines, court cost, lawyer costs, cab, bumming rides, missing work, and the sky high cost of insurance. Its a lengthy process and it can be easily avoided by making a phone call, or taking a cab.
Posted by: Jennifer | 2012-12-19 10:53:46 AM
In BC the penalties are severe also. First time offense gets you $1000 fine, one year loss of license, mandatory alchohol education classes - to the tune of $900, one year alcohol monitoring device installed in your vehichle, at your cost ($2000). Following that, ICBC has implemented a Points Penalty Premium, which you will incur for three consecutive years following your offense at $900 a pop. All in all, a bill that looks something like $7000 - obviously, the economics behind taking a cab cannot be argued!!
Posted by: Scott | 2012-12-19 11:00:42 AM
How come I hear about some dumbass convicted of multiple DUI'S.like how rich can you be, to afford to that stupid?I really have no mercy for these idiots,The is the funny thing(not really funny)is that the idiot drinking & driving will kill someone and they will live to do it again.......
Posted by: Jean | 2012-12-19 12:28:24 PM
U R correct Scott, they are dumbasses.............nothing else to comment.
Posted by: gayniggersfromouterspace | 2012-12-19 12:41:25 PM
fucking nigger shit bitches
Posted by: Derek | 2012-12-19 2:34:44 PM
Drinking and driving we all assume that a person is completely bombed and trying to drive. If that is the case then yeah you are an idiot. I am more concerned the day after when you think you are no longer under the influence and you get caught! When is enough time etc.... I think more of us have to worry about that situation.
I am scared to have one beer or glass of wine while I am out for dinner. That is why I stay home.
The problem is that we can purchase and drink as much as we want and there are no laws, against that and our gov't sure likes the revenue it gets from the sale of booze. MAYBE proabition should come back. It is illegal to purchase booze period. Then there would be even less chance of anyone driving under the influence.
Posted by: Intelligent Person | 2012-12-19 4:13:39 PM
Criminal Law is Federally enacted. It is the same in every province. The law for a Criminal Conviction for any Impaired Driving related offence is the same everywhere.
The author of this article does not know much. Also, of course, most of the comments are the usual assortment of ignorance.
Finally, there is no such thing as a DUI in Canada. That is an American phrase. The charge in Canada is "Impaired Driving". DUI is a common, if incorrect, slang. An author writing an article should know better.
Posted by: another car bites the dust | 2012-12-19 8:46:07 PM
without a lengthy story, don't let it happen to you.
7000 is a joke.
i went out to run errands that seemed important to my family, more important than not drinking and driving apparently.
insurance doesn't cover you if you're involved in an impaired charge... so heres a breakdown of my costs here.
6000 to clear up car payments.
7500 for a somewhat reliable new car in-between things (needs 3000 worth of repairs, just found out)
15,000 lawyer fees to attempt to fight it
20,000 increase in insurance premiums over the next 3 terms when convicted.
2000-2500 ignition interlock program if convicted
500 alcohol and driving awareness program
all in all this mistake, and choices i've taken because of it,
will cost me well beyond fifty thousand dollars.
i blew over twice the legal limit, and this is what it will cost you in reality.
$50,000
Posted by: David stevens | 2012-12-19 9:33:45 PM
I guess fifty thousand would be better than having to live with the fact that I killed someone and maybe a small child at that,not that it worse to kill a child but I am thinking it would be harder to live with
Posted by: Anonld | 2012-12-19 10:20:04 PM
There is no excuse for any DUI charge...I think some of the fines are a little out of control...Then again every province in Canada is doing a big money grab on what ever they can..How else are we going to pay for teachers & Dr.s..Then again when you take that first drink and decide to get behind the wheel you have decided that you want to endanger not only your life but the lives of others..Do the crime pay the fine..Let's face it in a drunks mind no body can drive better than they can..Oh, well ...Maybe they should pay the price...
Posted by: Nicole | 2012-12-19 10:27:10 PM
"i went out to run errands that seemed important to my family, more important than not drinking and driving apparently":
Do you not take any responsibility for your actions? Sounds to me you are blaming this on someone who asked you to do the errands. If you were twice the legal limit it should have been pretty obvious to yourself that you are unable to drive and absolutley refused. I agree with David, $50K is a small price to pay considereing you could have killed an innocent person. Not to be rude but I do not feel sorry for people who get DUI's no matter what the cost. One must take responsibility for their own actions.
Posted by: Dave | 2012-12-19 10:34:26 PM
I have spoke to Insurance companies and they say you are covered if you get in an accident and are impaired because you have paid the premiums but after this incident the rates usually go up to $5,000 a year for at least 5 years.