The Saskatchewan government is moving toward stricter, immediate administrative penalties for impaired driving in an effort to curb some of the highest rates of alcohol-impaired driving in the country.
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Justice minister Tim McLeod announced the proposed changes to the province’s Traffic Safety Act, which aim to give law enforcement tougher roadside tools to hold drivers accountable quickly.
Under the proposed rules, drivers who fail a roadside breath test will face immediate driver’s licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, mandatory ignition interlock requirements and impaired driving education courses.
The changes would also introduce stiff financial penalties at the roadside. A first-time offender would face a $1,000 fine, while second and subsequent offences would carry a $2,000 penalty. Both fines would be subject to a 30 per cent victim surcharge.
“Our government continues to strengthen Saskatchewan’s response to impaired driving by making consequences more immediate, certain and effective,” McLeod said, adding that the move will also reduce pressure on the provincial court system.
Serious offences — including those resulting in injury, death, property damage, or involving passengers under the age of 16 — will continue to be prosecuted strictly under the Criminal Code.
The measures have drawn strong support from provincial police chiefs and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada.
“Administrative penalties are an effective way to reduce impaired driving,” said Steve Sullivan, chief executive officer of MADD Canada. “They empower police to remove more impaired drivers from the roads and provide immediate sanctions to hold drivers accountable.”
The provincial government has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the amendments will be formally introduced or take effect.
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