DUI Pardon Ontario: How to Clear a DUI Record in Canada

A DUI conviction in Ontario can change your life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Many Canadians don’t realize that a DUI can be cleared from their record through a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon).

If you’ve been struggling with background checks, job opportunities, or even travel because of a DUI, here’s what you need to know about getting a pardon in Ontario.

What is a DUI in Ontario?

In Ontario, you can be charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) if your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher. However, you can also be charged below .08 if an officer believes you are impaired.

A DUI applies to more than cars. You can be charged while operating:

• A motorcycle
• A boat
• A tractor or farm vehicle
• A bicycle
• Even aircraft

It’s not just alcohol. Cannabis, prescription drugs, or even strong cold medication can also lead to a DUI if they cause impairment.

The Consequences of a DUI Conviction

A DUI carries serious penalties:

• First offence: 1-year licence suspension + $1,000 fine

• Second offence: 2-year suspension + up to 30 days in jail

• Third offence: 3-year suspension + up to 120 days in jail

But the impact goes beyond fines and suspension. A DUI stays on your criminal record. That means:

• Employers may reject you after a background check

• Landlords and lenders can see your conviction

• You may face issues at the U.S. border

Can You Travel to the U.S. With a DUI?

Travel between the U.S. and Canada is usually pretty simple – usually, you have a criminal conviction. With a DUI on your record, crossing the border becomes a bit more complicated.

U.S. border officers have full discretion. While a single DUI is usually not considered a “serious offence,” you can still be denied entry if details of your conviction aren’t clear to the officer.

If you have multiple offences or want guaranteed entry, you may need a U.S. Entry Waiver in addition to your pardon.

How to Get a DUI Pardon (Record Suspension)

A Record Suspension removes your DUI from the public record, so it no longer shows up on most background checks.

To qualify, you must:

1. Complete your sentence, fines, and suspension.
2. Wait the required eligibility period (usually 3 years for a DUI).
3. Submit court and police documents, fingerprints, and application forms.

The process is complex, and mistakes can cause delays, that’s why many people choose Professionals in pardon services like Dominion Pardons and Waivers.

Take Back Control of Your Future

A DUI doesn’t need to hold you back forever. With a pardon, you can rebuild your life in Canada. With a waiver, you can travel freely to the U.S. again.

At Dominion Pardons & Waivers, we specialize in DUI pardons and waivers. Our team will handle the paperwork and guide you every step of the way.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation and find out if you qualify for a DUI pardon in Ontario.

Call TOLL FREE 1-888-890-1321

or fill out the online inquiry below and have a qualified agent help you see if you are eligible to clear your criminal record with a Pardon, or gain access to the United States with an Entry Waiver.

DUI Related Offenses

In addition to driving while impaired, there are a few related offences you need to be aware of.

First, never refuse a breathalyzer. Refusing an officer’s request to blow into a breathalyzer carries the same penalties as driving impaired. You’ll get a DUI if you refuse the test and you’ll get a DUI if you’re driving while impaired. Basically, there’s no loophole you can use to get out of a DUI after you’ve been pulled over.

Another issue to watch out for is “care or control.” Basically, you don’t have to actually be driving in order to be charged with a DUI. You just need an opportunity to drive. This situation mainly occurs when someone attempts to sleep off their intoxication inside their parked car. The law says that you still have control over the vehicle, so you’ll be charged with a DUI even if you’re not technically behind the wheel.

A similar situation is called “Driving by Proxy.” An intoxicated passenger can be charged if they’re left alone in a running car. For instance, if the driver leaves the car running in order to quickly dash into a convenience store, the intoxicated passenger is legally considered in charge of the car. While this is rare, it is a possibility.

The Power of the Canadian Pardon for a DUI

While a criminal record can cause all sorts of problems both within Canada and abroad, solutions are available. There’s a completely legal way to wipe your record clean. Anyone who performs a background check on you will never know you ever had any type of DUI-related trouble.

There are a few different ways to reset your record. The exact legal strategy pursued will depend on the specific status of your DUI.

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you’ll want to apply for a pardon. This will remove the conviction from your record.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, but not convicted, you’ll need to apply for a “purge and file destruction.” This removes the arrest from all official records.

Call TOLL FREE 1-888-890-1321

or fill out the online inquiry below and have a qualified agent help you see if you are eligible to clear your criminal record with a Pardon, or gain access to the United States with an Entry Waiver.