The Full Range of Consequences That Follow Impaired Driving
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Consequences of impaired driving typically include legal penalties, a criminal record, sharply increased insurance costs, and lasting personal or professional impact, well beyond just the immediate charge.
The consequences of impaired driving extend well beyond the immediate legal penalty, touching finances, employment, and personal relationships.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Beyond the immediate penalties described in our guide to how penalties escalate, a conviction typically brings sharply higher insurance costs for years afterward.
A Lasting Criminal Record
A criminal offence conviction can affect employment opportunities, travel, and other areas of life well beyond the driving-specific penalty.
Personal and Emotional Impact
Beyond the practical consequences, many people carry lasting emotional consequences from an impaired driving incident, regardless of whether anyone was hurt.