A drinking and driving stop in British Columbia can cost far more than the penalty written on the notice. This guide adds up the provincial costs that follow an Immediate Roadside Prohibition or another alcohol or drug prohibition.
Administrative penalties and reinstatement
| Prohibition | Penalty | Reinstatement fee | RoadSafetyBC total estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First IRP Warn (3 days) | $200 | $250 | about $600 |
| Second IRP Warn (7 days) | $300 | $250 | about $780 |
| Third IRP Warn (30 days) | $400 | $250 | about $1,330 |
| IRP Fail or refusal (90 days) | $500 | $250 | about $1,430 |
The estimates include towing and impoundment but not taxes or the increase in your insurance costs.
Vehicle impoundment
- 3- and 7-day prohibitions: police may impound the vehicle.
- 30- and 90-day prohibitions: police must impound the vehicle for 30 days.
- 24-hour prohibitions: police may impound for 24 hours, and this impoundment cannot be appealed.
You pay the towing and storage costs.
Responsible Driver Program (RDP)
RoadSafetyBC may require the Responsible Driver Program after certain alcohol and drug prohibitions and after certain Criminal Code driving convictions. The RDP costs $1,200.
Ignition Interlock Program
RoadSafetyBC may also require the Ignition Interlock Program, which puts a breath-testing device in your vehicle. The program is user-pay. With the current provider there is no installation charge, but there is a $150 administration fee ($250 for a motorcycle) plus the monthly device costs. RoadSafetyBC sets how long you stay in the program.
When these programs can apply
Remedial programs may be required after 3-, 7-, 30- and 90-day prohibitions, and after three 24-hour prohibitions. Add the RDP and interlock costs to a 90-day Fail and the total can run to several thousand dollars.
Reduce the risk early
You have 7 days to apply for a review. A successful review can remove the prohibition and the costs that come with it. If police also laid criminal charges, see BC impaired driving criminal charges.
Frequently asked questions
The Responsible Driver Program costs $1,200.
Yes. For 30- and 90-day prohibitions, police must impound the vehicle for 30 days.
The licence reinstatement fee is $250, on top of the administrative penalty.
RoadSafetyBC may require the Ignition Interlock Program after certain prohibitions and decides how long you must stay in it.
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This article is general information about British Columbia and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Penalties, fees and procedures can change; speak with a lawyer about your situation.
Sources: Government of British Columbia, RoadSafetyBC, Alcohol-related driving prohibitions; Apply for a review of a driving prohibition; Responsible Driver Program; Ignition Interlock Program; Department of Justice Canada, Impaired driving laws.
