A drinking and driving stop in Saskatchewan can bring provincial sanctions from SGI and, if police lay a charge, Criminal Code penalties on top. This guide sets out both.
Experienced drivers: .04 to .08 or drug-affected
| First | Second | Third or more | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadside licence suspension | 3 days | 21 days | 90 days |
| Vehicle impoundment | 3 days | 7 days | 14 days |
| Required program | Driving Without Impairment (DWI) | Alcohol and Drug Education (ADE) | Addictions assessment |
| Ignition interlock | — | — | 365 days (mandatory) |
| Safe Driver Recognition | −4 points | −4 points | −4 points |
New drivers, and any driver with drugs
| 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 new driver who voluntarily installs an interlock for 120 days serves 60 days of the suspension; on a third or later occurrence the interlock is mandatory for 365 days.
When you’re charged under the Criminal Code
A Criminal Code impaired driving charge brings:
- an immediate licence suspension that lasts until the charge is resolved in court;
- a vehicle impoundment; and
- for alcohol-related charges, a possible early return to driving with a voluntary ignition interlock once you have served at least 90 days.
Penalties on conviction
| Offence | First offence minimum |
|---|---|
| Impaired / over 80 (BAC 80–119) | $1,000 fine |
| Over 80 (BAC 120–159) | $1,500 fine |
| Over 80 (BAC 160 or more) | $2,000 fine |
| Refusal | $2,000 fine |
A second offence carries a minimum 30 days in jail and a third a minimum 120 days. A conviction also brings a court-ordered driving prohibition and a criminal record. See impaired driving criminal charges.
The Safe Driver Recognition program
Each provincial impaired driving sanction carries a 4-point penalty under SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program, which can raise what you pay for your licence and insurance.
Ask a lawyer
Penalties grow quickly with each occurrence. A Saskatchewan impaired driving lawyer can review the stop and testing and advise you on the criminal case. Read our guide to Saskatchewan impaired driving laws.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Provincial sanctions include impoundment of 3, 7 or 14 days, and a Criminal Code impaired driving charge also brings a vehicle impoundment.
Driving Without Impairment (DWI) is the education program SGI requires after a first provincial impaired driving sanction.
On a third or later provincial sanction, a 365-day ignition interlock is mandatory.
The Criminal Code minimum is $1,000, rising to $1,500 or $2,000 for higher readings and $2,000 for refusal.
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.
