Driving Suspensions

Suspensions for PEI Residents:

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles may suspend or cancel a driver's licence or registration permit if the licence/registration holder committed an offence or misconduct related to the operation or driving of a motor vehicle.  This can include reckless or negligent driving, or the use of drugs and/or alcohol when driving.

If you have been convicted of any offence under the Criminal Code of Canada involving the use of a motor vehicle, the judge making the conviction may suspend or cancel your licence (and registration if you are the owner of the vehicle) and they may also disqualify you from holding or obtaining a licence and from registering a vehicle for a period of up to five years.

Suspensions for Non-Residents:

If you are a non-resident of PEI and you are convicted of an offence under the Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code, or if your licence has been suspended or cancelled, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles will forward a report of the conviction, suspension or cancellation to the administrator of motor vehicle laws in the province, territory, state or country where you reside.

Roadside Suspension:

If you are pulled over by a peace officer and you provide a breathalyzer sample that indicates you have 50 mg or more of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or if you refuse or fail to take a sample, the officer will ask you to surrender your driver's licence.

If your breathalyzer sample indicates that you have 100 mg or more of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, your driver's licence and driving privileges will be suspended for a period of 24 hours.

If your breathalyzer sample indicates that you have 50 mg or more of alcohol in 100 ml of blood (but less than 100 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood) and this is your second suspension within a two year period, then your driver's licence will be suspended for 30 days.

If your breathalyzer sample indicates that you have 50 mg or more of alcohol in 100 ml of blood (but less than 100 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood) and this is your third suspension within a two year period, then your driver's licence will be suspended for 90 days.

Suspensions for Graduated Drivers:

If you are a graduated driver (or you are under the age of 19) and you refuse or fail to provide a breathalyzer sample, or if you provide a sample and there is the presence of alcohol, your driver's licence will be suspended immediately for a period of 24 hours.

Legislation:

For more information on motor vehicle suspensions, please read the Highway Traffic Act.