A 24-hour driving suspension in British Columbia is typically issued for suspected impaired driving or unsafe driving behaviour that causes an officer to believe on reasonable grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by either a drug or by alcohol.
While this suspension may seem like a temporary inconvenience, it’s important to understand its potential impact on your driving record and how it could affect you moving forward.
What Is a 24-Hour Suspension?
A 24-hour suspension is an administrative penalty issued by police officers when they suspect a driver is impaired, either by alcohol or drugs, typically in circumstances where they demonstrate unsafe driving behaviour.
Unlike criminal convictions, a 24-hour suspension is not considered a criminal offence and does not result in a criminal record. It is not considered an offence. However, it is still a formal restriction placed on your ability to drive for 24 hours from the time it is issued and an entry on your driving record.
The suspension serves as an immediate response to impaired driving or unsafe behaviour, aiming to protect other road users from potentially dangerous drivers. It’s common for this type of suspension to occur during a roadside stop when an officer believes the driver may be impaired but does not necessarily have enough evidence to charge the individual with a DUI or other offences.
Does a 24-Hour Suspension Stay on Your Record?
While a 24-hour suspension is not a criminal conviction, it is still recorded on your driving history with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). This means that it will appear on your driving record, and insurance companies may review this history when determining your premiums. However, a 24-hour suspension is generally treated as a minor penalty and typically does not carry long-term consequences for your driving privileges, especially if you have no other violations on your record.
The caveat is that if you have a Class 7 license, the 24-hour prohibition will likely trigger a further driving prohibition for an unsatisfactory driving record from the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. So for drivers with an L or an N license, the 24-hour prohibition can have much bigger consequences.
The suspension will remain on your record forever, but its impact on your future driving or insurance rates is limited. In most cases, a 24-hour suspension will not prevent you from obtaining or renewing your driver’s license, as it is not considered a criminal conviction. It only carries 2 remedial program points and therefore does not on its own trigger referrals to the Responsible Driver Program or an Interlock device.
After 5 years, the 24-hour prohibition will no longer be considered for this reason and it will also come off your driver’s abstract. Remember that your abstract and your record are two different things.
Long-Term Impact and Insurance Rates
One of the most significant impacts of a 24-hour suspension is the potential for increased insurance premiums. When ICBC evaluates your driving record, they may take into account any history of suspensions, even if they are only for 24 hours.
In general, insurance rates tend to rise after any kind of suspension, but a single 24-hour suspension will not usually cause a significant increase. However, if you have multiple suspensions or other serious offences on your record, your insurance costs could be higher.
How to Minimize the Impact of a 24-Hour Suspension
If you’ve received a 24-hour suspension and are concerned about its effect on your driving record, it’s important to know that you have options. While the suspension itself is not criminal, you may want to consult with a lawyer, especially if the circumstances surrounding the suspension were unclear or you feel the suspension was unjustified. In some cases, there may be an opportunity to challenge the suspension or minimize its impact on your record.
Contact Kyla Lee at Acumen Law if you have concerns about a 24-hour suspension or any other driving-related penalties. Kyla can offer expert advice on how to manage your record, challenge suspensions, and guide you through the process to help you minimize the impact on your driving privileges and insurance rates.
Don’t let a 24-hour suspension affect your future—reach out to Kyla Lee today for a consultation and protect your rights on the road.
