Saskatchewan RCMP will begin Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS) on routine traffic stops from April 1.
In 2018, MAS became part of the Criminal Code making it a legal request for a breath sample from any driver of a motor vehicle, without the need for reasonable suspicion. The MAS will only be requested once a driver is pulled over for other traffic violations like speeding, careless driving, or brake lights not working.
In 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP charged more than 1,700 individuals with impaired driving – that is roughly 5 per day – and more than one-third of all fatal collisions involved alcohol.
If a driver is over the alcohol legal limit it can result in the following, but is not limited to:
- Criminal Code conviction for impaired driving
- Impounded vehicle
- Suspended driver’s licence
- Initial $2,250 penalty
- An immediate drop to -20 demerit points on your licence
More details are on the SGI website.
When a driver indicates they will not provide a breath sample or if they fail to provide a suitable breath sample it is classified as a “failure to, or refusal to comply with demand” – which may result in a Criminal Code conviction under Section 320.15(1), suspended drivers licence, impounded vehicle, a drop to -20 demerit points, and financial penalties.