Ignition Interlock in Ontario: Rules, Costs and How Long You Need It (2026 Guide)

If you’ve been convicted of impaired driving in Ontario, your licence will very likely come back with an ignition interlock condition. That means you can only drive a vehicle fitted with an approved breath-testing device. This guide explains who needs one, how long the condition lasts, what it costs, and how to avoid violations that extend it.

What Is an Ignition Interlock?

An ignition interlock is a breath-alcohol device wired into your vehicle’s ignition. You have to provide a breath sample before the vehicle will start, and the device asks for random “rolling” re-tests while you drive. It records your results, and you must bring the vehicle to your provider for regular inspections.

Who Needs an Ignition Interlock in Ontario?

• Drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code
• Drivers with three or more impaired-driving roadside suspensions within 10 years. This includes a third warn-range suspension, which brings a 6-month interlock condition.

How Long Is the Interlock Condition?

Minimum interlock periods after a Criminal Code conviction:

• First conviction: 1 year
• Second conviction: 3 years
• Third conviction: 6 years, if your licence is reinstated after a minimum 10-year suspension

New for offences on or after July 1, 2026: the minimum drops to 9 months for a first conviction and 2 years for a second, if you install the device within 30 days of reinstatement and follow the program’s terms. After the interlock is removed, a minimum 6-month condition also applies, during which you must have no alcohol or drugs in your body while driving.

For roadside administrative suspensions that bring interlock, the condition lasts a minimum of 6 months after the suspension period, and is removed automatically after 6 months without violations.

Some first- and second-time offenders convicted of alcohol-impaired driving may also qualify for Ontario’s Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock program, which can shorten the time off the road in exchange for meeting strict conditions. Ask a lawyer whether you’re eligible.

Approved Providers

Ontario’s approved ignition interlock providers are Smart Start Canada and ALCOLOCK Canada. You choose a provider, book installation, and keep up with every service appointment.

How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Cost?

You pay all installation, monthly and maintenance costs. Your provider tells you its fees when you register. As a rough guide, total costs are often estimated at around $1,500 to $2,500 or more per year, so get a quote from each provider before you commit. Interlock costs are separate from the $281 reinstatement fee and Back on Track program fees.

Violations That Extend Your Interlock Condition

Performance failures include a breath reading of 0.02 or higher, or missing a rolling re-test. These add 3 months for first-time offenders and 6 months for repeat offenders.

Program violations include tampering with the device, driving a vehicle without an approved device, or missing a provider appointment. These add 6 months for a first offender, 18 months for a second offender and 3 years after that.

Driving Without an Interlock When You Need One

Driving a vehicle without an approved device, or tampering with one, can bring:

• Fines of $200 to $1,000. Fines are higher for commercial vehicles.
• Vehicle impoundment of 45 days for a first offence, 90 days for a second and 180 days for a third or later in Criminal Code cases, or 7 days for administrative suspensions
• Possible Criminal Code or Highway Traffic Act charges

Anyone who knowingly lets a driver with an interlock condition use their vehicle can also be charged.

Getting the Interlock Removed

For Criminal Code cases, you must apply for removal after completing your minimum period without violations, submit a Substance Use Assessment form, and attend a final appointment with your provider.

Interlock, Back on Track and Reinstatement

Interlock doesn’t replace Back on Track. After an impaired driving conviction you’ll usually need both, plus the $281 reinstatement fee. See our Back on Track guide and how long licence reinstatement takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need an ignition interlock after a first impaired conviction in Ontario?

The minimum is 1 year. For offences on or after July 1, 2026, it can be 9 months if you install the device within 30 days of reinstatement and follow the program terms.

Who are the approved ignition interlock providers in Ontario?

Smart Start Canada and ALCOLOCK Canada.

How much does an ignition interlock cost in Ontario?

You pay all installation, monthly and maintenance costs, and your provider discloses its fees when you register. Total costs are often estimated at roughly $1,500 to $2,500 or more per year.

What happens if I fail a breath test on my interlock?

A reading of 0.02 or higher, or a missed rolling re-test, is a performance failure that extends your interlock condition by 3 months for first-time offenders or 6 months for repeat offenders.

Does ignition interlock replace Back on Track?

No. They are separate requirements, and most drivers convicted of impaired driving must complete both.

Related Guides

• How to Reinstate a Suspended Licence in Ontario: Step-by-Step
• Back on Track Program in Ontario: Cost, Timeline and Reinstatement
• How Long Does It Take to Reinstate a Licence in Ontario?
• Why You Should Never Drive Before Your Licence Is Reinstated in Ontario

Talk to an Ontario Lawyer About Your Suspension

Every suspension is different, and a mistake can keep you off the road longer or lead to new charges. If you’re facing an impaired driving charge, a licence suspension or a driving-while-suspended charge, an experienced Ontario DUI lawyer can review your record and explain your options.

Find an Ontario DUI lawyer near you →

This article is general information about Ontario rules as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Fees, penalties and processes can change, so confirm your own requirements with ServiceOntario, the Ministry of Transportation or a lawyer.