An impaired driving conviction in Nova Scotia brings Criminal Code penalties from the court and a separate set of provincial consequences from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
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 |
The revocation runs from the date of conviction. You may also have to retake the written, road and vision tests.
Getting your licence back
Service Nova Scotia lists these requirements after a conviction:
- an Addiction and Drug Dependency Services assessment ($455.00);
- a reinstatement fee ($124.60); and
- for a second or later conviction, retaking the written, road and vision tests.
Court penalties
| Offence | First conviction minimum |
|---|---|
| Impaired / over 80 (BAC 80–119) | $1,000 fine |
| Over 80 (BAC 120–159) | $1,500 fine |
| Over 80 (BAC 160 or more) | $2,000 fine |
| Refusal | $2,000 fine |
A second offence carries a minimum of 30 days in jail and a third a minimum of 120 days. See impaired driving criminal charges.
The interlock option
The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program can let eligible drivers return to the road during part of a revocation, with a breath-testing device installed in their vehicle.
The hidden costs
On top of fines and fees, a conviction can mean higher insurance premiums, lost insurance and lost work. Read the guide to Nova Scotia impaired driving laws and the roadside suspension.
Frequently asked questions
Service Nova Scotia lists the reinstatement fee as $124.60.
Service Nova Scotia lists the Addiction and Drug Dependency Services assessment at $455.00.
Three years from the date of conviction, for a second conviction within 10 years.
Yes. A fourth conviction brings permanent revocation.
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.
