- The penalty depends primarily on the level of blood alcohol
- If the blood alcohol level is below 0.15, you can enter a plea and be placed into a program called First Offender Election
- You will lose your license for a short time, but then be able to get a “conditional license” which allows you to drive
- If the blood alcohol level is above 0.15, you will have to go into a first offender program
- You will have to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car
- Before starting the car, you have to blow into a tube connected to the ignition
- If you have any alcohol on your breath, the car will not start
- You will be required to use this device for at least 13 months, but you will be able to drive and will not be required to use the conditional license
- Finally, there is a third type of first offence requiring complete loss of license for a year, with NO opportunity to drive whatsoever
