View source for Operation While Impaired by Alcohol or Drug and Refusal (Repealed Offence)

{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffencesMV}}
{{HeaderRepealedOffences}}
; REPEALED DECEMBER 2018
{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle=Impaired Driving, Over 80 and Refusal
|OffencePage=Impaired Driving, Over 80 and Refusal 
|Section=253, 254
|Act={{OBCCC}} 
|CrownElection={{OBHybridElection}}
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll}} 
|Bail= {{OBBailAll}} 
|SummaryDisp= {{OBDispFineorJail}}
|SummaryMin=$1,000 + 12 months Driving Prohib.(first)<br>30 days jail + 2 to 5 years Driving Prohib. (second)<br> 120 days + 3 or more years Driving Prohib. (three or more)|SummaryMax= {{OBTime|18 months}} or $5,000 fine |IndictableDisp= {{OBDispSame}} 
|IndictableMin= ''same as summary'' 
|IndictableMax= {{OBTime|5 years}} }}

==Overview==
Section 253 describes two distinct but related offences. The offence of "impaired driving" prohibits the operation or care and control of a vehicle while the person's ability to operate it is impaired by drug or alcohol. The offence of "over 80" prohibits the operation or care and control of a vehicle while the person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over 80mg per 100ml of blood.

These offences are some of the most heavily litigated of all criminal offences. The proof of impaired driving has basis largely on the observational evidence of eye-witnesses, usually the investigating officer. They can become complicated when involving drugs rather than alcohol as it requires a Drug Recognition Expert.  The proof of the Over 80 offence requires a procedure of taking a breath or blood sample and then extrapolating the estimated BAC at the time of the offence. There are several short cuts to proof that are available under s. 258.

Both offences have the common element of operation or care and control, which becomes most uncertain when examining whether there was care or control arising from the risk of the vehicle being put in motion. These offences also often engage Charter rights under s. 8 and 9, 10(b).

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 253 {{DescrSec|253}} and 254 {{DescrSec|254}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes-IfCrown}} | {{No-Under14}} }}
{{PleadingsEnd}}
{{PleadingsHybridElection|s. 253 {{DescrSec|253}} and 254 {{DescrSec|254}} }}

{{IncreasedPenalty|s. 253 {{DescrSec|253}} and 254 {{DescrSec|254}}}}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 253 {{DescrSec|253}} or 254 {{DescrSec|254}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 253 {{DescrSec|253}} or 254 {{DescrSec|254}}}}

:''<u>Reverse Onus Bail</u>''
{{ReverseOnusCirc}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 253 or 254}}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 253 {{DescrSec|253}} or 254 {{DescrSec|254}}|| {{OKMark}} <!--wire--> || {{OKMark}} <!--DO-->||{{XMark-Under10}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{XMark}}
{{DesignationEnd}}
{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}

==Offence Wording==
{{quotation2|
; Operation while impaired
253 (1) Every one commits an offence who operates a motor vehicle or vessel or operates or assists in the operation of an aircraft or of railway equipment or has the care or control of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft or railway equipment, whether it is in motion or not,
::(a) while the person’s ability to operate the vehicle, vessel, aircraft or railway equipment is impaired by alcohol or a drug; or
::(b) having consumed alcohol in such a quantity that the concentration in the person’s blood exceeds eighty milligrams of alcohol in one hundred millilitres of blood.<br>
; For greater certainty
(2) For greater certainty, the reference to impairment by alcohol or a drug in paragraph (1)(a) includes impairment by a combination of alcohol and a drug.
<br>
;Operation while impaired — blood drug concentration
(3) Subject to subsection (4), everyone commits an offence who has within two hours after ceasing to operate a motor vehicle or vessel or after ceasing to operate or to assist in the operation of an aircraft or of railway equipment or after ceasing to have the care or control of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft or railway equipment
:(a) a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood drug concentration for the drug that is prescribed by regulation;
:(b) a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood drug concentration for the drug that is prescribed by regulation and that is less than the concentration prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (a); or
:(c) a blood alcohol concentration and a blood drug concentration that is equal to or exceeds the blood alcohol concentration and the blood drug concentration for the drug that are prescribed by regulation for instances where alcohol and that drug are combined.
;Exception
(4) No person commits an offence under subsection (3) if
:(a) they consumed the drug or the alcohol or both after ceasing to operate a motor vehicle or vessel, or after ceasing to operate or assist in the operation of an aircraft or railway equipment or after ceasing to have the care or control of a motor vehicle, a vessel, an aircraft or railway equipment; and
:(b) after ceasing the activities described in paragraph (a), they had no reasonable expectation that they would be required to provide a sample of a bodily substance.

R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 253; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 36, c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 59; {{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 18; {{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 1.
|{{CCCSec2|253}}
|{{NoteUp|253|1|2|3|4}}
}}

{{quotation2|
; Failure or refusal to comply with demand
s. 254<br>
{{removed|(1), (2), (3) and (4)}}
(5) Everyone commits an offence who, without reasonable excuse, fails or refuses to comply with a demand made under this section.
<br>
{{removed|(6) and (7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 254; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 36, c. 1 (4th Supp.), ss. 14, 18(F), c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 60; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 32}}, s. 2(Preamble); 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 19.
|{{CCCSec2|254}}
|{{NoteUp|254|5}}
}}

{{quotation2|
; Punishment
255 (1) Every one who commits an offence under section 253 {{AnnSec2|253A}} or 254 {{AnnSec2|254}} is guilty of an indictable offence or an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable,
:(a) whether the offence is prosecuted by indictment or punishable on summary conviction, to the following minimum punishment, namely,
::(i) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000,
::(ii) for a second offence, to imprisonment for not less than 30 days, and
::(iii) for each subsequent offence, to imprisonment for not less than 120 days;
:(b) where the offence is prosecuted by indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; and
:(c) if the offence is punishable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months.<br>
{{removed|(2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (4) and (5)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 255; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 36; R.S., 1985, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F); {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; {{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 32}}, s. 3(Preamble); {{LegHistory00s|2000, c. 25}}, s. 2; {{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 21, c. 18, ss. 7, 45.2.<br>
|{{CCCSec2|255}} 
|{{NoteUp|255|1}} 
}}

==Proof of the Offences==
{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|operating while impaired|253(1)(a)}}<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Andrews|1nnxf|1996 ABCA 23 (CanLII)|104 CCC (3d) 392}}{{perABCA|Conrad JA}} (2:1){{atL|2dccz|31}} discusses impairment</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} Officer had reasonable suspicion that there was alcohol/drugs in body and so detained the accused
# {{box}} The Accused was operating the Motor vehicle or in Care and Control of the vehicle
# {{box}} there was any amount of impairment of the accused ability to drive at the time
# {{box}} the impairment was by alcohol or drug at the time
# {{box}} The accused voluntarily consumed the alcohol

{{ElementRight}}

{{Proving|operating while BAC over 80|253(1)(b)}}<ref>
{{ibid1|Andrews}}{{atL|2dccz|31}} discusses impairment</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} The Accused was operating the Motor vehicle or in Care and Control of the vehicle
# {{box}} Officer had reasonable suspicion that there was alcohol/drugs in body and so detained the accused
# {{box}} The Accused's BAC was over 80 at the time
## {{box}} each sample taken as soon as practicable after offence was committed
## {{box}} first sample taken not later than two hours 
## {{box}} interval of at least 15 minutes between samples
## {{box}} each sample received from suspect directly into instrument
## {{box}} the instrument was an approved instrument
## {{box}} the instrument was operated by a qualified technician
## {{box}} the technician made an analysis of each sample
{{ElementLeft}}
{{Proving|refusal to give a sample|254}}<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lewko|5g0t|2002 SKCA 121 (CanLII)|169 CCC (3d) 359}}{{perSKCA|Bayda CJ}}{{atL|5g0t|9}}</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} A proper demand was given and understood;
# {{box}} there was a refusal or failure to provide a proper sample; (''actus reus'')
# {{box}} the culprit intended not to provide a proper sample; (''mens rea'') and 
# {{box}} there was no reasonable excuse for refusing.

{{ElementRight}}
{{ElementEnd}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==
Generally, the "evil" that the offence seeks to address is the combination of alcohol and motor vehicles as it tends to "breed danger."<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Saunders v The Queen|1xcwz|1967 CanLII 56 (SCC)|[1967] SCR 284}}{{perSCC-H|Fauteux J}} (5:0)<br>
</ref>

The objective of the offence under s. 253(1)(b) is to "discourage intoxicated people from even placing themselves in a position where they could set a vehicle in motion, while at the same time providing a way for a person to avoid liability when there was a reason for entering the vehicle other than to set it in motion."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Whyte|1ftd1|1988 CanLII 47 (SCC)|[1988] 42 CCC (3d) 97}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}}{{atL|1ftd1|47}}<br>
</ref>

The police do not simply have the statutory authority to investigate driver sobriety, but also have a legal duty to investigate.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Orbanski|1l0b0|2005 SCC 37 (CanLII)|[2005] 2 SCR 3}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}<br>
</ref>


{{reflist|2}}

===Investigation===
Section 254 creates a two-stage process whereby an officer may demand that a driver take a roadside screening test (s. 254(2)) where the officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver has alcohol in his body. The second step allows the officer to demand a breathalyzer test where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver committed an impaired driving offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Flight|g711g|2014 ABCA 185 (CanLII)|313 CCC (3d) 442}}{{perABCA|Veldhuis JA}}{{atsL|g711g|31| to 33}}</ref>

The roadside screening device is not necessary in all circumstances. Its purpose is only to assist in forming reasonable grounds, which can sometimes be obtained by other means.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Fogarty|gg0n3|2015 NSCA 6 (CanLII)|320 CCC (3d) 348}}{{perNSCA|Fichaud JA}} - example of RPG formed without roadside screening
</ref>

[[File:ImpairmentChart.png|900px|Investigation of Impairment/Over 80]]
<br>
<br>
{{reflist|2}}
===Mens Rea of Impaired Driving===
The charge of impaired driving is a general intent offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Charles|fvkl4|2013 BCSC 23 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Sigurdson J}}{{atL|fvkl4|40}}</ref>

Part of the ''mens rea'' of the offence of impaired driving is made out by the accused's voluntary consumption of alcohol for the purpose of becoming intoxication ''or'' the accused "acting recklessly, aware that impairment could result, but persisting despite the risk". 
<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Mavin|26z71|1997 CanLII 14625 (NL CA)|154 Nfld. & PEIR 242}}{{perNLCA|Marshall JA}}{{atsL|26z71|37| to 39}}<br>
{{supra1|Charles}}{{atL|fvkl4|41}}<br>
</ref>

It is not necessary that the accused have actual knowledge of the effects of drugs or alcohol. Proof of recklessness is sufficient.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Pomeroy|1qd7h|2007 BCSC 142 (CanLII)|41 MVR (5th) 272}}{{perBCSC|Romilly J}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Honish|1fs6d|1993 CanLII 156 (SCC)|[1993] 1 SCR 458}}{{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}(7:0)<br>
</ref>

Where the voluntary consumption of alcohol is proven, there is a rebuttable presumption the ''mens rea'' is made out.
<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|King|1tvrn|1962 CanLII 16 (SCC)|[1962] SCR 746}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}}{{atp|763}} <br>
</ref>

The intent to be impaired can be negated in certain circumstances where the accused's drink may have been drugged.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRx|Sitarz|fsnvm|2012 ONCJ 561 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Caldwell J}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Motor Vehicle===
Under s. 2, "motor vehicle" is defined as "a vehicle that is drawn, propelled or driven by any means other than muscular power, but does not include railway equipment;" Certain vehicles, such as scooters, are powered by either pedal or motor, the crown will generally have to prove that the vehicle was being operated by motor power at the time of the offence.<ref>
see for example {{CanLIIRx|Rookes|frh15|2012 SKPC 80 (CanLII)}}{{perSKPC|Hinds J}}</ref>

A vehicle that is inoperable, such as were it is out of gas, will still be a motor vehicle. It is not relevant whether the vehicle is functioning or operable.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lloyd|g8d5j|1988 CanLII 5326 (SK CA)|[1988] SJ No 216 (SKCA)}}{{perSKCA|Wakeling JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Saunders|1xcwz|1967 CanLII 56 (SCC)|[1967] SCR 284}}{{perSCC-H|Fauteux J}}{{atp|290}}</ref>

An e-bike that is not being pedaled will be a "motor vehicle" under s. 2.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Clifford|g6kwd|2014 ONSC 2388 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Koke J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Kulbacki|fshj3|2012 ONCJ 532 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Radley-Walters J}}<br>
cf. {{supra1|Rookes}}<br>
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

===Issues===
* [[Arrest and Detention]]
* [[Proof of Impairment by Alcohol]]
* [[Proof of Impairment by Drugs]]
* [[Screening Device]]
* [[Breath Sample Demand]]
* [[Blood Sample Seizure in Impaired Driving Investigations]]
* [[Proof of Blood Alcohol Levels]]
* [[Operation, Care or Control of a Vehicle]]
* [[Refusal to Give a Sample|Refusal]]
* [[Disclosure of Third Party Records#Calibration Records of Screen Devices and Approved Instruments|Disclosure of Calibration Records of Screen Devices and Approved Instruments]]

===Regulations Relating to Investigations===
{{quotation2|
;Regulations
253.1 The Governor in Council may make regulations
:(a) prescribing the blood drug concentration for a drug for the purposes of paragraph 253(3)(a);
:(b) prescribing the blood drug concentration for a drug for the purposes of paragraph 253(3)(b); and
:(c) prescribing a blood alcohol concentration and a blood drug concentration for a drug for the purposes of paragraph 253(3)(c).

{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 2.
|{{CCCSec2|253.1}}
|{{NoteUp|253.1}}
}}

{{quotation2|
;Approval — Attorney General of Canada
254.01 The Attorney General of Canada may, by order, approve
:(a) a device that is designed to ascertain the presence of alcohol in a person’s blood;
:(b) equipment that is designed to ascertain the presence of a drug in a person’s body;
:(c) an instrument that is designed to receive and make an analysis of a sample of a person’s breath to determine their blood alcohol concentration; and
:(d) a container that is designed to receive a sample of a person’s blood for analysis.

{{LegHistory10s|2018, c. 21}}, s. 4.
|{{CCCSec2|254.01}}
|{{NoteUp|254.01}}
}}

{{quotation2|
; Regulations
254.1 (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations
:(a) respecting the qualifications and training of evaluating officers;
:(b) prescribing the physical coordination tests to be conducted under paragraph 254(2)(a); and
:(c) prescribing the tests to be conducted and procedures to be followed during an evaluation under subsection 254(3.1).
<br>
; Incorporated material
(2) A regulation may incorporate any material by reference either as it exists on a specified date or as amended from time to time.
<br>
; Incorporated material is not a regulation
(3) For greater certainty, material does not become a regulation for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act because it is incorporated by reference.
<br>
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 20.
|{{CCCSec2|254.1}}
|{{NoteUp|254.1|1|2|3}}
}}

==Kienapple Principle==
[[Kienapple Principle|Kienapple]] does not prevent a conviction for dangerous driving causing death or bodily harm and impaired driving causing bodily harm or death. The first offence concerns the ability to operate a vehicle while the second offence focuses on the manner in which the vehicle was operated.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ramage|2bkq5|2010 ONCA 488 (CanLII)|257 CCC (3d) 261}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}} (3:0){{atsL|2bkq5|59| to 66}}</ref>

The offence of impaired care and control of a motor vehicle is an included offence of impaired operation of a motor vehicle.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Pawluk|hn8wm|2017 ONCA 863 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Paciocco JA}}
</ref>

; Refusal
{{quotation2|
254<br>
{{removed|(1), (2), (2.1), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (4) and (5)}}
; Only one determination of guilt
(6) A person who is convicted of an offence under subsection (5) for a failure or refusal to comply with a demand may not be convicted of another offence under that subsection in respect of the same transaction.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 254; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 36, c. 1 (4th Supp.), ss. 14, 18(F), c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 60; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 32}}, s. 2(Preamble); 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 19.
|{{CCCSec2|254}}
|{{NoteUp|254|6}}
}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Available Defences==
* [[Necessity]]

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS -->
|s. x {{DescrSec|x}} || || ||
|-
{{VictimEnd}}<!--
{{606Notice5Y|XX}}
{{606NoticeSPIO|XX}}
-->
{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==

; Maximum Penalties
{{SProfileMaxHeader}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 255 | {{Summary}} | 18 months custody }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 255 | {{Indictment}} | {{Max5Years}} }}
{{SProfileEnd}}
Offences under s. 255 are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is '''5 years''' incarceration. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is '''18 months''' jail.

; Minimum Penalties
For offences under s. 255, the minimum penalty is a '''$1,000 fine''', '''30 days''' jail with a prior conviction, or '''120 days''' jail with two or more prior convictions.

There is some suggestion that a jail sentence can substitute for a fine, where there is no prior record.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hatcher|1n9j6|2000 NFCA 38 (CanLII)|146 CCC (3d) 426}}{{perNLCA|Wells CJ}}{{atL|1n9j6|19}}<br>
</ref>

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 255 || any || {{OKMark}} (**) || {{XMark}} || {{OKMark}} (**) || {{OKMark}}   || {{OKMark}}  || {{OKMark}}  || {{XMark}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}<ref>(**) Availability may vary</ref>

For offences under s. 255 without any prior convictions, discharges are not available. 

For offences under s. 255 with a prior conviction, discharges, suspended sentences, stand-alone fines and conditional sentences are not available.

Despite any mandatory minimum penalties, the judge has discretion to substitute a mandatory sentence with a [[Curative Discharges|curative discharge]] for convictions under s. 253, which includes impaired driving and operating a vehicle with BAC level over 80mg/ml.<ref>
Discharges are ''not'' available in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, or Newfoundland
</ref>

Section 731(1)(a) precludes the use of suspended sentences where there are mandatory minimums.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Berner|fx6j8|2013 BCCA 188 (CanLII)|297 CCC (3d) 69}}{{TheCourtBCCA}} (3:0){{atL|fx6j8|36}}<br>
</ref>

; Consecutive Sentences
{{NoConsecutive}}

{{reflist|2}}
===Principles===
Impaired driving causes "the most significant social loss to the country."<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Beaudry|1qbk6|2007 SCC 5 (CanLII)|[2007] 1 SCR 190}}{{perSCC|Charron J}} at 42<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bernshaw|1frmf|1995 CanLII 150 (SCC)|[1995] 1 SCR 254}}{{perSCC|Cory J}} ("a far greater impact on Canadian society than any other crime")</ref>
Every impaired driver is a "potential killer."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lahiry|fntws|2011 ONSC 6780 (CanLII)|283 CCC (3d) 525}}{{perONSC|Code J}}{{atL|fntws|89}}<br>
</ref>

The predominant objectives to be considered is general deterrence and denunciation.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Clouthier|gnmxl|2016 ONCA 197 (CanLII)|346 OAC 162}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} (3:0){{atL|gnmxl|54}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Squires|2f0xp|1995 CanLII 9848 (NL CA)|[1995] NJ No 157 (CA)}}{{perNLCA|Gushue JA}}{{atp|5}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|McVeigh|1npmp|1985 CanLII 115 (ON CA)}|22 CCC (3d) 145}{{perONCA|MacKinnon ACJ}}{{atp|150}}<br>
</ref>

The lack of bodily harm or death is not necessarily eliminate the need to protect the public.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Riggs|2fs79|2011 NLTD 26 (CanLII)|951 APR 54}}{{perNLSC|Handrigan J}}{{atL|2fs79|37}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Jacobs|2f0q8|1982 ABCA 204 (CanLII)|70 CCC (2d) 569}}{{perABCA|Laycraft JA}} (3:0)<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Connolly|1chss|2002 CanLII 41923 (NLPC)|[2002] NJ No 40 (P.C.)}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}{{atL|1chss|18}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Alexson|g8cx4|1987 CanLII 4900 (SK CA)|7 MVR (2d) 95 (Sask CA)}}{{perSKCA|Tallis JA}}</ref> 
The Court can consider the risk of potential harm from the offender's conduct.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Woodward|fsxr7|1993 CanLII 8183 (NL CA)|108 Nfld. & PEIR 240 (NLCA)}}{{perNLCA|Steele JA}}</ref>

Deterrence and denunciation are especially important objectives when bodily harm is caused to another person.<ref>
{{supra1|Clouthier}}{{atL|gnmxl|54}} ("The predominant sentencing objectives in determining a fit sentence for alcohol-driving offences, especially those in which bodily harm is caused to a fellow human being, are general deterrence and denunciation") <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Junkert|2c16d|2010 ONCA 549 (CanLII)|103 OR (3d) 284}}{{perONCA|O'Connor ACJ}}{{atsL|2c16d|42|}} and {{atsL-np|2c16d|47|}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Biancofiore|6hjk|1997 CanLII 3420 (ON CA)|35 OR (3d) 782}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}} (3:0){{atps|790-92}}<br>
</ref>

{{quotation2|
255
<br>
{{removed|(1), (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2) and (3.3)}}
; Previous convictions
(4) A person who is convicted of an offence committed under section 253 or subsection 254(5) is, for the purposes of this Act, deemed to be convicted for a second or subsequent offence, as the case may be, if they have previously been convicted of
:(a) an offence committed under either of those provisions;
:(b) an offence under subsection (2) or (3); or
:(c) an offence under section 250, 251, 252, 253, 259 or 260 or subsection 258(4) of this Act as this Act read immediately before the coming into force of this subsection.
{{removed|(5)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 255; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 36; R.S., 1985, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F); {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; {{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 32}}, s. 3(Preamble); {{LegHistory00s|2000, c. 25}}, s. 2; {{LegHistory|{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 21, c. 18, ss. 7, 45.2.}}
| [{{CCCSec|255}} 
|{{NoteUp|255|4}}
}}

{{reflist|2}}

===Factors===
Aggravating factors:
* BAC reading, esp. if exceeding 160mg (s. 255.1)
* other signs of a high degree of impairment
* injuries to other persons
* prior alcohol-related convictions, including dates

See also: {{CanLIIRP|Musseau|27qrw|2010 CanLII 2539 (NLPC)|[2010] NJ No 25 (P.C.)}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}

{{quotation2|
; Aggravating circumstances for sentencing purposes
255.1 Without limiting the generality of section 718.2, where a court imposes a sentence for an offence committed under this Act by means of a motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft or of railway equipment, evidence that the concentration of alcohol in the blood of the offender at the time when the offence was committed exceeded one hundred and sixty milligrams of alcohol in one hundred millilitres of blood shall be deemed to be aggravating circumstances relating to the offence that the court shall consider under paragraph 718.2(a).
<br>
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 32}}, s. 4(Preamble).
| [{{CCCSec|255.1}} 
|{{NoteUp|255.1}}
}}

{{reflist|2}}
===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Impaired Driving, Over 80 and Refusal}}
Generally, a custodial sentence is required when bodily harm is caused.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Clouthier|gnmxl|2016 ONCA 197 (CanLII)|346 OAC 162}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|gnmxl|55}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Biancofiore|6hjk|1997 CanLII 3420 (ON CA)|35 OR (3d) 782}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atp|791}}<br>
</ref>

In Manitoba, impaired causing bodily harm will typically involve a range of sentence from 3 to 18 months.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|MacDonald|1flcz|1999 CanLII 5083 (MB CA)|139 CCC (3d) 524}}{{perMBCA|Twaddle JA}} (2:1)
</ref>

In Nova Scotia, the range of sentence for impaired driving causing death with no prior record is 2 to 5 years.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Morine|2fkrr|2011 NSSC 46 (CanLII)|945 APR 314}}{{perNSSC|Rosinski J}}{{atL|2fkrr|79}}</ref>

; Persistent or Repeat Offenders
The protection of the public is paramount in sentencing "offenders who persistently drive motor vehicles when they are impaired or disqualified."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Clarke|g2dc3|2013 SKCA 130 (CanLII)|56 MVR (6th) 163}}{{perSKCA|Jackson JA}} (3:0){{atL|g2dc3|10}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Curative Discharges===
The only exception to the mandatory minimums is where a [[Discharges#Curative Discharge|curative discharge]] is ordered by the court (only available in certain provinces).

{{quotation2|
255<br>{{removed|(1), (1.1), (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3) and (4)}}
; Conditional discharge
(5) Notwithstanding subsection 730(1), a court may, instead of convicting a person of an offence committed under section 253, after hearing medical or other evidence, if it considers that the person is in need of curative treatment in relation to his consumption of alcohol or drugs and that it would not be contrary to the public interest, by order direct that the person be discharged under section 730 on the conditions prescribed in a probation order, including a condition respecting the person’s attendance for curative treatment in relation to that consumption of alcohol or drugs.
<br>
 *[Note: In force in the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Alberta and in the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, see SI/85-211 and SI/88-24.]
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 255; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 36; R.S., 1985, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F); {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; {{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 32}}, s. 3(Preamble); {{LegHistory00s|2000, c. 25}}, s. 2; {{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 21, c. 18, ss. 7, 45.2.
|{{CCCSec2|255}}
|{{NoteUp|255|5}}
}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}
	
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}
|-
| [[DNA Orders]]||s. 254(5), 255 ||
* {{SecondDNA(AorB)|s. 254(5)}}
* {{SecondDNA(AorB)Hybrid|s. 255}}
|-
| [[Driving Prohibition Orders|Driving Prohibition]] || || Min. 1 year (1st time), 2 years (2nd time), 3 years (3rd time or more)
|-
| [[Forfeiture Orders|Forfeiture of Vehicle]] || ||
{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

==History==
{{seealso|List of Criminal Code Amendments|Table of Concordance (Criminal Code)}}
* [[History Impaired Driving and Over 80 Offences]]

==See Also==
* [[Impaired Driving and Over 80 (Offence Cases)]]
* [[Causation]]
; References
* [[Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist]]

{{OffencesNavBar/MotorVehicles}}



[[Category:Offences with Mandatory Minimums]]