Since October 26, 2010, Nova Scotia has used longer roadside suspensions for drivers with a blood alcohol concentration between .05 and .08. Before then, the suspension was only 24 hours.
How it works
Police can demand a breath sample on an approved screening device. A pass (under .05) usually means you are free to go. A warn (.05 to .08) leads to an administrative suspension under the Motor Vehicle Act, which starts at the roadside.
Suspension lengths
| Suspensions in 10 years | Roadside suspension |
|---|---|
| First | 7 days |
| Second | 15 days |
| Third or later | 30 days |
These are minimums: the Registrar of Motor Vehicles can suspend for longer.
Impoundment and fees
Police may impound your vehicle. Whoever picks it up pays the towing and storage. You must also pay a licence reinstatement fee before you can drive again.
A warn is not a criminal charge
A roadside suspension is an administrative penalty, not a conviction. But it goes on your driving record and counts toward longer suspensions if it happens again within 10 years.
If you blew over .08 or refused
That is more serious. You face an administrative suspension and likely Criminal Code charges. See Nova Scotia DUI penalties and impaired driving charges.
New drivers
Learner and newly licensed drivers must have zero blood alcohol, so any alcohol at all leads to a suspension and a fine. Read the full guide to Nova Scotia impaired driving laws.
Frequently asked questions
Seven days for a first suspension within 10 years.
Yes. Police may impound the vehicle, and the person who picks it up pays towing and storage.
No. It is an administrative suspension under the Motor Vehicle Act, though it stays on your driving record.
The longer suspensions took effect on October 26, 2010. Before that, the suspension was 24 hours.
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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.
