DUI in Canada: Understanding Your Record
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in Canada — also known as impaired driving — is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Unlike many other countries where a DUI may be treated as a traffic violation, in Canada it results in a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment, travel, and daily life.
Whether you were charged with impaired driving, over 80 (blowing over .08), or refusal to provide a breath sample, the consequences are the same: a criminal record that will show up on background checks and can prevent you from travelling to the United States.
How a DUI Affects Your Life
- Employment — many employers require criminal background checks. A DUI can disqualify you from jobs, especially those requiring driving or security clearance
- US Travel — Canadians with a DUI are routinely denied entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection has access to Canadian criminal records through CPIC
- Insurance — your auto insurance rates will increase significantly, and you may lose coverage entirely
- Professional licensing — certain professions (law, medicine, accounting) may be affected
- Volunteering — many volunteer organizations require vulnerable sector checks
- Housing — some landlords require background checks
Getting a Pardon for a DUI in Canada
The good news: you can apply for a Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) for a DUI conviction. Once granted, your criminal record is sealed by the Parole Board of Canada and will no longer appear on standard background checks.
Eligibility Timeline for DUI Pardons
- Summary conviction DUI: eligible 5 years after completing your sentence (including any probation, fines, and driving prohibition)
- Indictable conviction DUI: eligible 10 years after completing your sentence
- Multiple DUI convictions: you may still be eligible, but the Parole Board will review your case more carefully
Check your pardon eligibility now
DUI and Travelling to the United States
A Canadian DUI will likely result in being denied entry at the US border. Even with a Canadian Pardon, the US may still have a record of your conviction. To legally enter the United States with a DUI history, you will need a US Entry Waiver (I-192).
A US Entry Waiver is issued by the Department of Homeland Security and is typically valid for 1-5 years. Pardons Canada can help you apply for both a pardon and a waiver simultaneously.
Impaired Driving Law Changes in Canada
In December 2018, Bill C-46 significantly changed impaired driving laws in Canada:
- Maximum penalties increased substantially
- Mandatory minimum fines increased to $1,000 for a first offence
- Police now have the authority to demand a breath sample within 2 hours of driving
- Cannabis impairment was added alongside alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Canada
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Canada?
A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently unless you obtain a Pardon (Record Suspension). It does not automatically expire or get removed after a certain number of years.
Can I travel to the US with a DUI?
Not without a US Entry Waiver. US border agents have access to Canadian criminal records and routinely deny entry to Canadians with DUI convictions, even if the conviction is decades old.
How much does a DUI pardon cost?
The government fee for a pardon application is $50 CAD. Additional costs include fingerprinting, police checks, and court documentation. Pardons Canada offers service packages to manage the full process — view our fees.
Can I get a pardon for multiple DUI convictions?
Yes, it is possible to get a pardon even with multiple DUI convictions. The Parole Board of Canada will consider the circumstances of your case, your rehabilitation, and your conduct since the convictions.
Will a pardon remove my DUI from US records?
No. A Canadian Pardon only seals your record in Canada. The United States maintains its own records. You will still need a US Entry Waiver to legally enter the US after a DUI, even with a Canadian Pardon.