When police stop an impaired driver in the Yukon, there are two levels of roadside sanction under the Motor Vehicles Act. Understanding which one you received matters, because the consequences — and what you can do about them — are very different. (For the full picture, see our guide to Yukon impaired driving laws.)
Tier 1: the 24-hour suspension
The first tier is a 24-hour licence suspension and 24-hour vehicle impoundment. An officer can impose it when they reasonably believe your ability to drive is affected by:
- alcohol;
- cannabis or other drugs, including prescription medication; or
- another substance.
No breath test or BAC reading is required. The officer acts on what they see — driving behaviour, speech, smell of alcohol, coordination. It lets police take an impaired driver off the road immediately, even when the impairment is from a drug rather than alcohol.
Tier 2: the 90-day suspension
The second tier is a 90-day licence suspension with a minimum 30-day vehicle impoundment (longer for repeat impoundments). It applies when an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you:
- drove while impaired;
- had a blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg per 100 mL or more (“over 80”);
- refused a breath or blood demand; or
- drove while prohibited, disqualified or suspended.
This tier usually goes hand in hand with a Criminal Code charge — but it is a separate, administrative consequence that starts right away, before any trial.
How the two tiers compare
| 24-hour suspension | 90-day suspension | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Officer’s belief you’re impaired | Reasonable grounds of impaired driving, over 80, refusal, or driving while suspended |
| Licence | Suspended 24 hours | Suspended 90 days (after a 14-day permit for Yukon licences) |
| Vehicle | Impounded 24 hours | Impounded at least 30 days |
| Criminal charge? | Not necessarily | Often |
Can you challenge a 90-day suspension?
Yes. You can apply for a review, but it does not pause the suspension, and the only question is whether the officer had reasonable grounds. A lawyer can tell you whether a review is worth pursuing alongside your criminal defence. For impound rules, see Yukon DUI penalties: impoundment and interlock.
Frequently asked questions
No. A 24-hour suspension can be based on the officer's reasonable belief that alcohol, drugs or another substance has affected your ability to drive.
No. It is an administrative sanction under the Motor Vehicles Act. Any criminal charge is decided separately in court.
Find a Yukon impaired driving lawyer →
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).
