Saskatchewan has zero tolerance for alcohol for new drivers and zero tolerance for drugs for all drivers. Even a small amount can lead to a long roadside suspension, a vehicle impoundment and mandatory programs from SGI.
Who counts as a new driver
The experienced-driver rules apply to drivers aged 22 or older who are not in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and hold a Class 5 licence or higher. Drivers who do not meet that description fall under the zero tolerance rules for alcohol.
Zero tolerance penalties
| First | Second | Third or more | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadside licence suspension | 60 days | 120 days | 18 months |
| Vehicle impoundment | 3 days | 7 days | 14 days |
| Required program | Driving Without Impairment (DWI) | Alcohol and Drug Education (ADE) | Addictions assessment |
| Ignition interlock | — | 120 days (voluntary) | 365 days (mandatory) |
| Safe Driver Recognition | −4 points | −4 points | −4 points |
On a second occurrence, a driver who voluntarily installs an ignition interlock for 120 days serves 60 days of the suspension. On a third or later occurrence, a 365-day interlock is mandatory, and 365 days of the suspension are served.
Drugs: zero tolerance for everyone
Any driver, new or experienced, faces zero tolerance for drugs. A drug-affected driver can face these provincial sanctions, and police can also lay Criminal Code charges for drug-impaired driving, including the federal THC limits measured in blood.
Compare: experienced drivers
An experienced driver with a BAC of .04 to .08 faces a 3-day suspension on a first occurrence rather than 60 days. See Saskatchewan DUI penalties for the full comparison.
Why it matters for young drivers
A 60-day suspension can affect school and work, and later occurrences escalate quickly. If you have been stopped, speak with a Saskatchewan impaired driving lawyer about your options. Read our guide to Saskatchewan impaired driving laws.
Frequently asked questions
No. New drivers face zero tolerance for alcohol, and any amount can lead to a roadside suspension and impoundment.
A 60-day roadside licence suspension, a 3-day vehicle impoundment, the Driving Without Impairment program and a 4-point Safe Driver Recognition penalty.
Yes. Saskatchewan has zero tolerance for drugs for all drivers.
A driver aged 22 or older who is not in the GDL program and holds a Class 5 licence or higher.
Find a Saskatchewan impaired driving lawyer →
This article is general information about Saskatchewan and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Penalties and procedures can change, and Saskatchewan has proposed changes that are not yet law. Speak with a lawyer about your situation.
Sources: SGI, Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: The Traffic Safety Act; Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Moving Towards Swifter, More Effective Penalties for Impaired Driving (June 29, 2026); Department of Justice Canada, Impaired driving laws.
