Getting your license back after a DUI can feel overwhelming. As a DUI lawyer, I'll explain the steps required to get you back on the road.


Understanding the Suspension Process


Immediate Administrative Suspension


The moment you're charged with a DUI, you face a 90-day administrative driving license suspension. This occurs before any conviction and operates independently from court penalties. Your vehicle will be towed and impounded immediately.


Court-Ordered Suspensions


Upon conviction, judges must impose minimum driving prohibitions:

- First offense: One-year minimum


- Second offense: Two to five years


- Third offense: Three years to life

The final duration depends on aggravating factors in your case.


Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Suspensions


The MTO operates parallel to the courts with its own framework:

- First offense: One-year suspension


- Second offense: Three-year suspension


- Third offense: Lifetime suspension (reviewable after 10 years)


- Fourth offense: Permanent suspension without review

The Ministry examines the previous 10 years to calculate prior convictions. These suspensions run concurrently with court-ordered prohibitions.


The Ignition Interlock Program


This program allows you to drive under monitored conditions by installing a breath-testing device. Different program streams are available based on your situation and the timing of your guilty plea.

The 7 Required Steps for License Reinstatement


Step 1: Complete Suspension Period


Serve both the court-ordered prohibition and MTO suspension periods.


Step 2: Clear Financial Obligations


Pay all fines and victim surcharges. These may increase with aggravating factors.


Step 3: Complete Back on Track Program


This mandatory education program costs approximately $650 and must be completed before participating in the interlock program.


Step 4: Interlock Device Installation


Program streams include:

- Stream A: Three-month suspension + nine months with interlock (if pleading guilty within 90 days)


- Stream B: Six-month suspension + twelve months with interlock


- Stream D: Nine-month suspension + eighteen months with interlock (for prior convictions)

Step 5: Documentation


Gather all program completion certificates and proof of reinstatement eligibility.


Step 6: Pay Reinstatement Fee


Visit ServiceOntario to pay the required reinstatement fee.


Step 7: Complete Required Tests


Based on suspension length, you may need to complete:

- Vision tests


- Written tests


- Road tests

Expected Costs


Total costs range between $2,500 and $4,000, including:

- Program fees


- Interlock device


- Administrative costs

Note that insurance rates will increase significantly after reinstatement.

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