Yukon DUI penalties come from two places: the federal Criminal Code, which sets fines and jail, and the Yukon Motor Vehicles Act, which controls your licence and your vehicle. This article covers the territorial side — impoundment and the ignition interlock program. For the overall system, see our guide to Yukon impaired driving laws.
Mandatory vehicle impoundment
When a driver receives a 90-day roadside suspension, the vehicle is impounded for a minimum period:
- 30 days — first impoundment within five years
- 60 days — second impoundment
- 120 days — third or later impoundment, and the registration is void for 240 days
The impound period is doubled if the officer believes the driver’s BAC was over 160 mg per 100 mL, or the driver refused or failed a breath or blood demand.
The registered owner pays daily storage and towing fees. Only a judge or justice of the peace of the Territorial Court can release a vehicle early, on application. After the impound period you need an order of release from a Motor Vehicles office, plus proof of insurance, registration and a valid licence.
Licence disqualification on conviction
A conviction for impaired driving brings an automatic Yukon disqualification: 1 year for a first conviction, 3 years for a second within five years, and indefinite for a third or later.
Ignition interlock program
The Driver Control Board can allow drivers to return to the road early using an ignition interlock device — a breath-testing unit wired to the vehicle’s ignition.
- The preset limit is 0.02 BAC; the vehicle won’t start above it, and random retests are required while driving.
- Minimum program length: 6 months (first offence), 30 months (second offence within 5 years) and 60 months (third offence within 5 years).
- For a second offence you can apply after serving 3 months of your disqualification; for a third, after 6 months. Court orders can set different timelines.
- You pay all installation and monitoring costs, and the device comes off only after six months with no violations and Driver Control Board approval.
Why the penalties are strict
The Yukon’s police-reported rate of alcohol-impaired driving in 2019 was about ten times the national rate, the second-highest in Canada. The territory responded with stronger roadside sanctions, including longer impoundments.
Facing these penalties? A Yukon DUI lawyer can advise on impound reviews, Driver Control Board applications and your criminal defence. See also impaired driving with alcohol, drugs and cannabis.
Frequently asked questions
Only a judge or justice of the peace of the Territorial Court can order an early release, after an application for review.
At least 6 months for a first offence, 30 months for a second offence within five years, and 60 months for a third.
The driver pays all installation, maintenance and monitoring fees.
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This article is general information about Yukon and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Rules can change; speak with a lawyer about your situation.
Sources: Government of Yukon, Consequences of driving impaired; Government of Yukon, Ignition Interlock Program; Yukon Department of Justice summary of Motor Vehicles Act impaired driving sanctions (2022).
