SGI hopes photo radar at the corner of 9th NW and Highway 1 will reduce the number of accidents at the infamous intersection

Violate certain traffic laws in Saskatchewan? Get ready for a harsher impact on your wallet, lifestyle, or both. Effective now, SGI has implemented new, stricter laws that make the penalties for drinking and driving, texting and driving, speeding, and a number of other infractions, more severe. For instance, new drivers who get caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will see their license suspended for 60 days and vehicle impounded for three days. Previously, there was no impound of the vehicle and license suspension was 30 days. Other changes:

  • Convicted impaired drivers will face mandatory user-pay installation of an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, for a minimum nine months on a first offence and up to five years for subsequent offences.

  • Drug-impaired drivers will face the same consequences as drinking drivers.

  • Drivers caught using their cellphone while driving for the second time within one year will have their vehicle seized for up to seven days.

  • Drivers will face harsher penalties when they’re traveling at 35 km/h or more over the speed limit (compared to the current 50 km/h).


In an additional effort to curb dangerous situations in high-traffic areas, photo radar will be installed at the intersection of Highway 1 and 9th Avenue NW in Moose Jaw, which has been the site of multiple fatalities and dozens of accidents. The photo radar at the intersection was to be installed for use today, but Moose Jaw mayor Deb Higgins told us it has been delayed until the end of July.  "The company and SGI were there (Wednesday) looking at options as to where equipment could be mounted.  It's quite slick from I'm hearing and quite precise.  A number of officers have been dealing with it here in the city and are quite pleased with the way it's progressing."  Higgins says for the first six months if the photo radar catches you speeding you will be sent a warning.  Tickets will be issued after the grace period. Photo radar will also be installed on Ring Road in Regina and Circle Drive in Saskatoon.

The traffic law changes will also affect parents as booster seats have become mandatory for children under seven years of age, less than 145 cm (4’9”) in height and under 36 kg (80 lbs) in weight.

The new laws are a result of recommendations made by the Special Committee on Traffic Safety, which was formed last year by the government to address what they called "the high rate of injuries and fatalities on Saskatchewan’s roads".

There were 134 fatalities on Saskatchewan roads in 2013, a 6-year low.  The deadliest year ever in the province was 2012 when 183 lives were lost due to traffic accidents.