Lloydminster RCMP has help cracking down on intoxicated drivers through new federal legislation. On December 18th, Bill C-46 will come into effect which will enable police to request a breathalyzer test regardless if they believe the person is too drunk to be behind the wheel or not. Constable Mike Hagel says the mandatory alcohol screening initiative will give frontline officers the necessary tools to combat drunk driving.
“The screening only becomes applicable after a vehicle is lawfully stopped or for some other reason and only if the officer has an approved screening device with them.”
The previous law required officers to use more judgement such as looking for bloodshot eyes or slurring. The law comes into effect as Checkstop season begins around Lloydminster.
“Alcohol screening does not provide us with a new power for law enforcement to stop a vehicle,” Hagel says RCMP has seen the courts tied up with drunk driving cases. “Alcohol screening does not provide us with a new power for law enforcement to stop a vehicle.”It can potentially credit to reduce the incidents of impaired driving and can become a valuable public safety tool.”