The traffic safety spotlight for March is impaired driving, and the Regina Police Service Traffic Safety Unit is conducting mandatory roadside alcohol screening on all drivers stopped throughout the month. Drivers in other parts of the province may also be asked to provide breath samples at any given time. 

“They can be expected to be asked to take a quick roadside breath test to determine whether or not someone has been drinking, and this could be anyone stopped for speeding or a broken taillight or distracted driving or not wearing their seatbelt,” said SGI Media Relations Manager, Tyler McMurchy.  

This initiative brings awareness to the federal law that came into effect in 2018 – Criminal Code Section 320.27(2)- that gives the right to police to demand a roadside breath test of any driver they legally stop, using an approved screening device. Reasonable suspicion is not required for the roadside test. 

“We do want people to understand that police do have the right to demand that test because there are actually penalties under the Criminal Code of Canada for refusing to take a test when demanded by a police officer and we don’t want people to run afoul of that law because they don’t know about it,” 

The legal consequences for refusal, if criminally charged, are significant. In fact, they are the same or greater than would be experienced by those who are charged for impaired driving offences. 

These penalties include: 

  • Immediate roadside license suspension 

  • Immediate minimum 30-day vehicle impoundment (upon conviction) 

  • $2,000 fine (minimum) 

  • Mandatory impaired driver education 

  • $1,250 Safe Driver Recognition Penalty (minimum)  

  • One-year Ignition Interlock requirement (minimum) 

“Our advice would be to people to people, take it from a friend, SGI is trying to keep people safe and keep them out of trouble. So, if you are asked to take one of these tests by a police officer, we recommend taking one and if you haven’t been drinking you will be on your way quickly,” said McMurchy. 

Impaired driving is the leading cause of fatalities on Saskatchewan roads, and SGI encourages everyone to find a safe ride home.