The Manitoba government has enacted new restrictions for drivers convicted of impaired operation related offences causing or resulting in bodily harm or death, which prohibit them from driving with any alcohol in their blood.
“Drinking and driving has no place on our roads or in our province. Today we stand alongside all Manitobans who are committed to making drinking and driving a thing of the past,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “Impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety, and these measures will increase road safety and protect people in communities across the province. Our government is committed to fighting for safer roads and stronger penalties for people who drive drunk.”
Breaches of the restriction will result in penalties which mirror those that apply to drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 per cent under the Immediate Roadside Prohibition Program, including additional licence suspensions and monetary penalties ranging from $400 to $600 based on the number of offences, and may also include vehicle impoundment and other measures that escalate with the number of breaches, potentially including referral for driver assessment, or participation in the ignition-interlock program.
The province introduced legislation in December 2024 to strengthen consequences for drivers convicted of impaired operation related offences that cause or result in bodily harm or death. Bill 5, the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Impaired Driving Measures), became law in June 2025. It immediately implemented an automatic lifetime licence suspension for people convicted twice within 10 years, an increase from the previous 10-year ban for repeat offenders. The act also introduced a new zero per cent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) restriction for certain offenders, which has now been proclaimed into law along with amended regulations to set monetary penalties.
“This legislation is a significant victory for road safety in Manitoba,” said Trevor Enns, president of MADD Winnipeg. “By implementing stricter long-term license restrictions and permanent suspensions for repeat offenders, the province is ensuring the consequences of impaired driving reflect the gravity of the harm caused. MADD Winnipeg applauds these changes as they are essential tools in our mission to prevent future tragedies and keep our communities safe.”
This year, the province introduced legislation that would improve road safety by implementing an automatic lifetime alcohol prohibition for anyone who has been convicted more than once in 10 years of impaired driving or refusing to provide a breath sample. The proposed legislation also introduces a 0 BAC requirement for anyone operating a Class 1-4 vehicle, the minister noted.
