You see the telltale lights flashing in your rearview mirror, so you pull over just to have the officer take away your licence. Being able to drive yourself back and forth to work is important, so you need to know just how long your licence will be suspended for. Unfortunately, the answer may not be as clear-cut as it sounds. It depends on the reason that your licence was suspended in the first place.
For more details on when you can expect to have your driving privileges reinstated, here’s a quick breakdown of the major offences that will cause you to lose your licence:
Driving Under the Influence
If you’re found to be driving under the influence, you will face an immediate suspension of your driving privileges in Manitoba. The amount of time your licence is suspended depends on the situation you find yourself in. For example, your age and your blood alcohol content will play a role in what the officer will do with your licence.
Individuals who are under the age of 21 and are found to have a BAC higher than zero will have their licence suspended for 24 hours until a conviction is made.
Other individuals who are older than the minimum drinking age will face a different set of more rigorous restrictions when it comes to the suspension of their licence. A BAC of more than 0.08, a refusal to submit to testing or a refusal of a coordination test will all result in an immediate suspension for 90 days.
If you had a BAC of 0.05 to 0.08, your suspension would range from three to seven days, depending on whether it was your first offence.
Novice Driver
Young people who are behind the wheel of the car face their own set of special restrictions on their driving privileges. If you are found not following those restrictions, your licence may be suspended for 30 days.
Mandatory Suspensions
There are other occasions where a driver may face some mandatory suspensions, including not paying a traffic fine in a timely manner. Failing to stop for a police officer is coupled with a hefty suspension with a minimum of five years.
Of course, there are heftier penalties for those who drive while their licence is suspended. If you are found behind the wheel while your licence is currently suspended, you may face penalties such as increased fines, six months in prison, and an additional six months tacked onto your licence suspension. These penalties depend on the reason your licence was suspended (HTA or Criminal Code offences).
Get Legal Help
No matter why your licence was suspended, you need to consult with an attorney to ensure that you can get back behind the wheel as quickly as possible. The criminal lawyers at Brodsky Amy & Gould can help you to fight the charges. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you!
