Lloydminster drivers could face more severe penalties under Saskatchewan’s new impaired driving laws. New legislation is making the consequences for impaired drivers even tougher, which includes drug-impaired driving.
The Traffic Safety Amendment Act 2017 and The Miscellaneous Vehicle and Driving Statutes Amendment Act, 2017 were both passed in the spring and come into effect September. 1. There will be Zero tolerance for drivers who test or screen positive for drugs under new guidelines.
Penalties for drug-impaired driving include immediate license suspension, vehicles could be taken away for up to 60 days and license suspension for up to 5 years if convicted. Impaired drivers with passengers under 16 years-old could have their vehicle seized for 60 days, license suspended for up to 120 days and for up to 18 months for new drivers.
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Insurance Joe Hargrave says the new laws will now match up with the severity of the crime.
“This new legislation reflects the seriousness of this offence, with more severe punishments for drug-impaired drivers, and those who make the bad decision to drive with children in the vehicle.”