Quebec’s Blood Alcohol Limits and Regulations

The blood alcohol limit in Quebec has been a point of contention for years in Montreal and across the province, with ongoing debates surrounding what the appropriate limit should be.

The Quebec government announced in 2009 that it would reduce the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05 in alignment with Canada’s tough stance on drunk driving. However, by late 2010, this decision was reversed. Quebec’s then transport minister, Sam Hamad, stated that residents were “not ready” for such a change.

Intense lobbying from restaurant and bar owners opposing the lower limit likely influenced this reversal. Nonetheless, the debate continues, not only at the provincial but also at the federal level. In August 2017, federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould publicly considered lowering the blood alcohol limit to 0.05 throughout Canada.

Quebec’s Blood Alcohol Limit: The Current Law

Like the rest of Canada, the maximum blood alcohol content legally allowed in Quebec is set at 0.08, comparable to the limits enforced in the United States and most of the United Kingdom. However, while nearly all other provinces in Canada impose sanctions for drivers with blood alcohol limits exceeding 0.05, Quebec stands out as the only province that does not impound vehicles or temporarily revoke licenses for drivers with blood alcohol levels below 0.08 but above 0.05, although some exceptions do apply.

Quebec’s Blood Alcohol Limit: Exceptions and Zero Tolerance Rule

Everyday drivers are subjected to a 0.08 blood alcohol limit; however, this limit drops to 0.05 for heavy vehicle drivers. Furthermore, a zero alcohol tolerance rule applies to specific groups such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, minibus drivers, drivers under the age of 22, learner drivers, and those holding a probationary licence.

Quebec’s Blood Alcohol Limit: It’s There for a Reason

Driving under the influence of alcohol remains the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. This perilous behavior is not only risky but often fatal; approximately one-third of the total number of drivers who died on the road had blood alcohol concentration levels exceeding the legal limit. Between 2002 to 2013, the percentage of total driver deaths under the influence varied, with a low of 29% in 2006 and as high as 38% in 2009.

Calculate How Much You Can Safely Drink

If you plan to drive after consuming alcohol, it’s crucial to eliminate second-guessing and anxiety about your blood alcohol level.

You can get a rough estimate of how much you can safely drink using an alcohol evening planner provided by Educ’Alcool. Simply input your gender, weight, the types of drinks you plan to enjoy, and whether you’ll be eating (including the number of courses). The planner will then estimate your blood alcohol content, indicating whether it is safe and legal for you to drive.

Keep in mind that this evening planner provides a general estimate. Organizations such as MADD Canada caution against relying on the planner as an accurate measure, as it may lead individuals to mistakenly trust its guidance. For precise results, the most reliable method for determining blood alcohol concentration is a breathalyzer.

When in doubt, consider arranging for a designated driver or calling a taxi.

Sources: Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, Service de police de la ville de Montréal, Educ’Alcool