Many illegal drugs are extremely dangerous to use, especially when driving. Take great care not to drive while taking these drugs. Being caught at above .08 per cent blood alcohol in the bloodstream, in itself, is a criminal offense. But you can be impaired on one drink and can be charged and convicted with less than .08 in your bloodstream if you show other symptoms of impairment. The courts will convict a person who, without a reasonable excuse, fails or refuses to provide a sample of their breath or blood to a peace officer.
Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and a prohibition from driving.
Convictions may result in the loss of insurance, higher insurance rates, and loss of employment. If the person is unable to provide a breath sample, the peace officer may demand a sample of blood be taken by a qualified medical practitioner for analysis. It is an offense to refuse to provide these samples. Penalties in Nova Scotia Penalties in Nova Scotia for driving while impaired are outlined below, and all fines and assessment fees must be paid by the driver. The judge's decision and sentencing is based upon the specific facts of each case.