Impaired driving in the Yukon isn’t only about alcohol. Both Yukon law and the Criminal Code apply to impairment by cannabis, illegal drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medication, or any combination. The Yukon’s police-reported rate of drug-only impaired driving in 2019 was among the highest in the country. (See our complete guide to Yukon impaired driving laws.)
Alcohol
- A blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg per 100 mL or more within two hours of driving is a Criminal Code offence (“over 80”) and leads to a 90-day Yukon roadside suspension and vehicle impoundment.
- Under mandatory alcohol screening, police who lawfully stop you can demand a roadside breath sample without needing to suspect you’ve been drinking.
- Refusing a breath demand is its own criminal offence, with a minimum $2,000 fine for a first offence.
Cannabis and other drugs
Drug-impaired driving is investigated using:
- Standardized field sobriety tests at the roadside;
- Drug recognition evaluations by a specially trained officer;
- Approved oral fluid screening devices; and
- Blood samples, measured against the Criminal Code’s blood-drug concentration limits (for example, for THC).
Any sign that your ability to drive is affected can also lead to a 24-hour roadside suspension — see how the Yukon’s two-tier system works.
Prescription and over-the-counter medication
Having a prescription is not a defence if the medication affects your ability to drive. Officers can act on impairment from any substance. If you take medication that causes drowsiness, check with your doctor or pharmacist before driving.
Penalties
Penalties are the same whether impairment comes from alcohol or drugs: roadside suspensions, impoundment, licence disqualification on conviction, and Criminal Code fines or jail. See Yukon DUI penalties: impoundment and interlock.
New drivers
Drivers in the graduated licensing program must have zero alcohol and zero drugs in their system — see zero-tolerance rules for new drivers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Driving while impaired by cannabis is a Criminal Code offence, and the Code sets blood THC limits. Police can use field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, oral fluid screeners and blood tests.
Yes. Under mandatory alcohol screening, an officer who lawfully stops you and has an approved screening device can demand a breath sample without suspicion.
No. If the medication affects your ability to drive, you can face the same suspensions and charges as with alcohol.
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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).
