Manitoba handles impaired driving on two tracks. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and The Highway Traffic Act impose immediate licence suspensions, penalties, impoundment and the Ignition Interlock Program. The federal Criminal Code sets the criminal offences, which go to court.
Immediate Roadside Prohibitions
Since December 16, 2019, most first-time impaired driving cases in Manitoba are dealt with through an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) based on a roadside screening device result:
- Warn (.05 to .079): a tiered suspension of 72 hours to 60 days, a 5-level drop on the Driver Safety Rating scale and a penalty of at least $400. See Manitoba’s Immediate Roadside Prohibition.
- Fail or refuse: a three-month suspension, a $700 penalty, vehicle impoundment, a 10-level drop and one year in the Ignition Interlock Program.
Over .08 and drugs
A blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more, THC over 5 ng, alcohol over .05 combined with THC over 2.5 ng, or any amount of an illegal drug brings an immediate three-month Administrative Licence Suspension, impoundment, a mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment and the interlock program. If police suspect drug impairment, they can also impose an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension.
Criminal charges
Police can still lay Criminal Code charges, especially in serious cases. A conviction brings a fine, a court-ordered driving prohibition, a further suspension under The Highway Traffic Act, more Driver Safety Rating penalties and possible vehicle forfeiture. See Manitoba impaired driving criminal charges.
Tougher rules for serious offences
A conviction for impaired driving causing death or injury now brings a zero-alcohol restriction, and a second such conviction within 10 years brings a lifetime licence suspension.
Challenging a suspension
You can apply to MPI for a review of a roadside suspension. See also Manitoba DUI penalties and interlock.
Frequently asked questions
A first warn brings a 72-hour suspension (7 days with a passenger under 16), a 5-level Driver Safety Rating drop, a reinstatement charge and a penalty of at least $400.
A three-month licence suspension, a $700 administrative penalty, vehicle impoundment, a 10-level Driver Safety Rating drop and one year of ignition interlock.
Yes. Police can lay Criminal Code charges, which go to court separately from MPI's administrative penalties.
Yes. A second conviction for impaired driving causing death or injury within 10 years brings a lifetime suspension.
Find a Manitoba impaired driving lawyer →
This article is general information about Manitoba and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Penalties and procedures can change; speak with a lawyer about your situation.
Sources: Manitoba Public Insurance, Alcohol impairment and Impaired driving consequences; MPI, Administrative Suspension Review Application; Government of Manitoba, news release, May 1, 2026; Department of Justice Canada, Impaired driving laws.
