Ignition Interlock Program

What is the Ignition Interlock program?

The Ignition Interlock Program allows individuals who have lost their operator's licence through an impaired driving conviction an opportunity to gain conditional driving privileges before the end of their licence suspension.  Certain restrictions apply and there are specific eligibility criteria.  The Ignition Interlock Program is administered by the Alberta Transportation Safety Board (Board).

When is the Ignition Interlock Program Mandatory?

The program is mandatory for:

  • all drivers who have more than one alcohol related Criminal Code conviction in the past 10 years,
  • first offences when the driver is convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration of  greater than 80 milligrams percent (mg%), or 
  • refusing to provide a breath/blood sample.

Are there any exemptions to the Mandatory Ignition Interlock Program?

  • If this is your first alcohol related conviction and you provided breath or blood samples of less than 160 mg% on both samples, you may apply to the Board for an exemption to the mandatory ignition interlock program.
  • To apply for an exemption you must submit an exemption letter request that includes your operator licence number, full name, address, contact telephone number, date of birth and if available your Motor Vehicle Identification Number (MVID).
  • A copy of your "Certificate of Analyses" indicating readings of less than 160 mg% on both readings must accompany the exemption letter request.
  • If your request is approved, a revised Notice of Suspension will be mailed to you.  The Mandatory Ignition Interlock reinstatement condition will no longer apply to your operator's licence.

How does the program work?

Drivers who meet the Ignition Interlock Program criteria will have an alcohol sensing device attached to their vehicle ignition system. Please refer to the Ignition Interlock Participant Guide(pdf) for some important information about the program.

The driver is prevented from starting and/or driving his/her vehicle if the device detects a preset level of alcohol.  All program activity is recorded and monitored.

A driver registering fails or warns, or inappropriate use or handling of the Ignition Interlock device may be requested to appear before the Board to review their participation in the program. A driver may be extended on the program if warns or fails are recorded by the device.

The Board expects zero warns and fails while the applicant is on the Ignition Interlock Program.

Ignition Interlock Program Criteria

  • Only drivers convicted under sections 253 or 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada can apply.  Drivers convicted of impaired driving causing injury or death are not eligible to apply to the Ignition Interlock Program.
  • The driver must have served the Court-ordered driving prohibition period and a copy of the prohibition order must be attached to the application.
  • The Court order must authorize the driver to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program. If the Court order does not authorize the driver to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program, the Board will use the minimum terms quoted in the Criminal Code (Canada).
  • The driver must be a resident of Alberta and eligible for a Restricted Operator’s Licence.
  • If the driver is a first time offender, he/she must take the “Planning Ahead” Driver Program.
  • If the driver is a repeat offender, he/she must take the “Impact” Driver Program and a copy of the Summary Report received at the Impact Driver Program must be attached to the application.
  • The driver must have served all other non-alcohol related suspensions such as driving while a licence is suspended, and have paid all overdue motor vehicle fines.
  • The driver must participate in the program a minimum of six (6) months.
  • The driver's servicing reports covering the final three (3) months of the program must be clear of warn or fail readings to be approved for exit from the program.

Program costs

  • One-time cost of $150.00 (plus GST) for installation and $50.00 (plus GST) for removal of the ignition interlock device.
  • A $105.00 (plus GST) per month rental fee for the device.
  • An application fee of $63 and Registry Agent fee.
  • $220 for the “Planning Ahead” Driver Program, or $750 for the “Impact” Driver Program (costs subject to change).   
  • The fee for a restricted operator’s licence and road test.

Consequences for not abiding by the rules

All Ignition Interlock Program activity is recorded and monitored. Attempting to drive after drinking may result in the Board extending the time in the program and/or a referral for alcohol treatment or counseling.

Any participant who attempts to cheat or bypass the ignition interlock device, who has his/her licence suspended or cancelled, or who is charged with any driving-related Criminal Code offence may be immediately removed from the program and their operator's licence may be suspended.