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Getting a DUI is a stressful and life-altering experience. Once the initial court proceedings are over, it’s time to wait. So, how long does a DUI stay on your driving record? The answer is complex because a DUI conviction in Canada impacts two separate records. And each has a different timeline. Let's break it down.
The first thing to understand is that a DUI conviction doesn't just go on one list. It creates entries on two completely different records.
This record is managed by your province’s Ministry of Transportation (like the MTO in Ontario). It’s a history of your driving behavior, including speeding tickets and license suspensions. A DUI is a very serious driving mistake, so it has a major impact here.
A DUI will typically stay on your provincial driving record for 3 to 10 years, depending on your province. This countdown often starts after your license suspension period is finished. Insurance companies and the government are the main groups that look at this record.
Because a DUI is a criminal offense in Canada, you will also get a criminal record. This is a permanent, federal record of any criminal convictions.
A criminal record for a DUI in Canada is for life. It does not expire or disappear on its own. This record is visible to police, border agents (especially in the USA), and any employer that runs a criminal background check.
The consequences of a DUI conviction go far beyond the initial fines and suspension. They can follow you for years.
Insurance companies see a DUI as an extreme risk and a complete breakdown of safe practices. Your DUI and car insurance rates will skyrocket, often doubling, tripling, or more. Some companies may even refuse to insure you at all.
Many jobs require a clean driving record, especially if you need to operate a company vehicle. A DUI can make you ineligible for these roles.
Furthermore, any job that requires a criminal record check, from teaching to finance, could be at risk. It’s a difficult situation that even responsible first-time drivers never want to imagine.
The United States can deny entry to Canadians who have a criminal record. DUI is one of the most common reasons for being turned away at the border.
This is the main question for moving forward. These are points you need to know about clearing your records.
You can’t actively get a DUI off your provincial driving record. You simply have to wait for the required time period (3, 5, or 10 years) to pass.
Once it’s gone, it will no longer impact your insurance rates as much. When your suspension is over, you need to meet certain conditions to get your license back. This can sometimes feel as challenging as an initial road test.
You can’t erase your criminal record, but you can apply for a "Record Suspension" (which used to be called a pardon).
A Record Suspension doesn’t delete the conviction, but it seals it off from public searches and background checks. To apply, you must complete your entire sentence (including probation and paying fines).
Then wait an additional period, usually 5 years, for a standard DUI. During this time, it's crucial to focus on improving your driving skills and proving you are a responsible driver.
To summarize, a DUI conviction affects two separate records. The mark on your provincial driving record will eventually fade over time, but the criminal record is permanent unless you successfully apply for a Record Suspension.
So how long does a DUI stay on your driving record is complicated. Both timelines involve serious, long-term consequences.