It’s hard to believe anyone who drives in Canada is unaware that impaired driving is an offence. Rather than focus on the legalities, it’s worth looking at some related issues.
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Impaired driving laws in the Criminal Code of Canada are updated from time to time, with the most significant changes in 2018. In recent years, provinces have also introduced their own impaired driving regimes, giving police a second enforcement option. Criminal charges carry harsher penalties, but both systems have their place.
A key 2018 change allowed officers to demand a breath sample without reasonable suspicion of alcohol use. This mandatory alcohol screening (MAS) means a breath demand can be made during any lawful traffic stop, contributing to an increase in impaired driving charges.
From Jan. 1 to April 12 this year in Lloydminster, 39 people were charged with impaired operation, with one additional case under investigation. Those charges include both provincial sanctions and criminal offences.
There are important differences between the two processes. A criminal charge can result in a record, while the provincial system is faster, with immediate penalties and a limited appeal window. The circumstances of each case typically determine how an officer proceeds.
For example, if an impaired driver causes a collision resulting in injury, the criminal process would apply. In less severe cases, particularly involving first-time offenders, the provincial route may be used.
Penalties also differ significantly. A criminal conviction can result in jail time, substantial fines and lengthy driving prohibitions.
Police acknowledge not all impaired drivers are caught, meaning the number charged likely represents only a portion of offenders. While MAS targets alcohol impairment, trained drug recognition experts are used when impairment is suspected but not linked to alcohol.
In my experience, the number of deaths caused by distracted driving is about the same as those caused by impaired driving. In all cases, the drivers likely understood the risks and consequences — and chose to drive anyway.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
This column was originally published in the April 23, 2026, digital edition of the Meridian Source.
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