What Is Ontario's Zero Tolerance Law for New Drivers?

Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, the zero tolerance law applies to G1 and G2 drivers of any age. Unlike the standard 0.08 limit for fully licensed drivers, zero tolerance means any detectable amount of alcohol in your system is a violation. You do not need to be impaired, intoxicated, or over any threshold. Any alcohol registers as a violation.

Being stopped with any detectable blood alcohol while driving with a G1 or G2 results in immediate penalties.

Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, zero tolerance extends to cannabis and other drugs for novice drivers. G1 and G2 drivers must have zero presence of cannabis in their oral fluid or blood. Driving with any cannabis present is treated similarly to alcohol violations. Ontario uses roadside oral fluid testing equipment to detect cannabis.

Zero tolerance applies to all G1 and G2 drivers, regardless of age. It also applies to drivers under 22 and commercial drivers (who face their own zero tolerance rules under separate regulations). Once you hold a full G licence and are over 22, you become subject to the standard 0.08 limit, though driving impaired is always illegal.

The safest approach is simple: do not drink and drive as a G1 or G2 driver. Even one drink can result in a violation. If you have been drinking, arrange alternative transportation. The financial and licensing consequences of a zero tolerance violation far outweigh any inconvenience of calling a cab or using a ride-share service.