Nova Scotia deals with impaired driving in two ways. The province, through the Motor Vehicle Act and the Registry of Motor Vehicles, imposes roadside suspensions, licence revocations and reinstatement requirements. The federal Criminal Code sets the criminal offences, which go to court.
Roadside suspensions: .05 to .08
If a roadside screening device shows a “warn” reading, a blood alcohol concentration of .05 to .08, police can suspend your licence on the spot:
- 7 days for a first suspension in 10 years;
- 15 days for a second; and
- 30 days for a third or later.
Police may also impound your vehicle, and you pay a reinstatement fee to get your licence back. See Nova Scotia’s roadside licence suspension.
Over .08 or refusal
Blowing over .08 or refusing a breath test brings an administrative licence suspension that is separate from any criminal case, and police can lay Criminal Code charges.
Revocation on conviction
A Criminal Code impaired driving conviction leads to a provincial licence revocation:
| Conviction within 10 years | Licence revocation |
|---|---|
| First | 1 year from the date of conviction |
| Second | 3 years |
| Third | Indefinite (at least 10 years) |
| Fourth | Permanent |
To get your licence back you need an Addiction Services assessment and you pay a reinstatement fee. Some drivers can return to the road sooner through the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program. See Nova Scotia DUI penalties.
New drivers
Learners and newly licensed drivers must have no alcohol at all in their blood while driving.
Criminal charges
Impaired driving, over 80 and refusal are federal offences with minimum fines from $1,000 to $2,000 for a first offence and jail for repeat offences. Read about impaired driving charges in Nova Scotia.
Frequently asked questions
Police can suspend your licence for 7 days on a first suspension in 10 years, 15 days on a second and 30 days on a third or later, and may impound your vehicle.
One year for a first conviction, three years for a second within 10 years, indefinitely (at least 10 years) for a third, and permanently for a fourth.
No. Learners and newly licensed drivers must have zero blood alcohol while driving.
Yes. Getting your licence back after an impaired driving conviction requires an Addiction Services assessment, and you pay a reinstatement fee.
Find a Nova Scotia impaired driving lawyer →
This article is general information about Nova Scotia and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Penalties, fees and procedures can change; confirm details with Access Nova Scotia or a lawyer.
Sources: Service Nova Scotia, Registry of Motor Vehicles – Alcohol and Driving; Government of Nova Scotia, Tougher penalties for impaired driving come into effect; Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, Alcohol or drug impaired driving and Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program; Department of Justice Canada, Impaired driving laws.
