Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs puts people at serious risk of injury and death. Cannabis, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as alcohol, especially when taken in combination.

“One of the great joys of the holiday season is celebrating with friends and family. It’s up to all Albertans to make sure our roads are safe. Please plan ahead and make smart choices: don’t drive while impaired, and plan a safe ride home following holiday celebrations.”

Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation

Impaired driving facts

  • On average, 6,000 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta in each of the last five years (April 2015 to March 2019).
  • In addition to the offence of impaired driving, there are separate offences of having specified prohibited levels of alcohol, cannabis or certain other drugs in the blood within two hours of driving.
  • In Alberta, and in most other Canadian jurisdictions, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.079 may face provincial consequences through the Immediate Roadside Suspension Program.
  • Cannabis limits are measured by detecting minute traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the blood stream, referred to as nanograms.