While many Manitobans will ring in 2013 with a pint of beer or glass of bubbly in hand, those who drink and drive could face serious and costly consequences.

There are the potential human costs of impaired driving — causing injury or death — but there are also financial costs for those who are caught driving under the influence.

Manitobans who are found driving while impaired would have their vehicles immediately impounded, to the tune of $465 plus a three-month driving suspension.

Those who want to get their driver's licences back before trial would have to shell out another $625 to undergo addictions counselling, plus any legal fees, says Dan Manning, a criminal lawyer in Winnipeg.

"If you want to hire a lawyer, legal fees can run anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how complicated the matter [is], so we're already at a significant amount of money," he said.

Manitobans who are convicted of drunk driving, even for the first time, face a minimum fine of $1,000 and a driving suspension of at least one year across Canada.

Since Dec. 15, 2012, all convicted impaired drivers in the province must pay about $2,000 to have ignition interlock systems installed in their vehicles.

Ignition interlock devices are wired into a vehicle's ignition system and use technology similar to that used in breathalyzer tests. A driver must blow into the device, which prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

As well, Manitoba Public Insurance says impaired driving charges will also amount to 10 demerit points, which would mean higher auto insurance premiums.

Manning said an impaired-driving conviction can cost drivers not only their licences, but potentially their jobs.

"If your salary's $50,000 a year and you lose your job … it could be a very expensive ride home," he said.