An impaired driving stop in Manitoba can bring several layers of penalties from MPI before any court case, and more if you are convicted.
Provincial penalties at a glance
| Situation | Suspension | Driver Safety Rating | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warn (.05–.079) | 72 hours to 60 days | −5 levels | At least $400 penalty; impoundment on a first warn |
| Fail on roadside device | 3 months | −10 levels | $700 penalty; impoundment; 1 year interlock |
| Refuse a sample | 3 months | −5 to −10 levels | Penalty; impoundment; assessment; interlock |
| .08 or over (breath test) | 3 months | −5 levels | Impoundment; assessment; interlock |
| THC over 5 ng, or any illegal drug | 3 months | −5 levels | Impoundment; assessment; interlock |
A licence reinstatement charge applies to these suspensions.
The Driver Safety Rating scale
Manitoba’s Driver Safety Rating sets what you pay for your licence and vehicle insurance. Dropping 5 or 10 levels can raise those costs for years, and a Criminal Code conviction drops you a further 5, 10 or 15 levels.
Impaired Driver Assessment
An Impaired Driver Assessment is mandatory after a fail, a refusal, .08 or over, or two or more warn suspensions in 10 years. You pay for it yourself.
Ignition interlock
A roadside fail or refusal brings one year of mandatory ignition interlock. The interlock program also applies after a .08-or-over suspension and after a criminal conviction.
Serious cases
A conviction for impaired driving causing death or injury now brings a zero-alcohol restriction, and a second such conviction within 10 years means a lifetime licence suspension.
Criminal penalties
On conviction, the Criminal Code sets minimum fines from $1,000 to $2,000 for a first offence and minimum jail for repeat offences. See Manitoba impaired driving criminal charges and how the IRP works.
Frequently asked questions
The administrative penalty is $700, plus a three-month suspension, impoundment and one year of interlock.
A warn drops you 5 levels and a roadside fail 10 levels. A criminal conviction drops you a further 5, 10 or 15 levels.
The driver pays for it.
Yes, for one year after a roadside fail or refusal, and it also applies after .08-or-over suspensions and criminal convictions.
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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.
