On June 29, 2026, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that it is moving toward “swifter, more effective” penalties for impaired driving. The plan would change The Traffic Safety Act to give police a new option for many drivers who fail a roadside breath test. As of late October 2026, these changes are proposed and are not yet law.
What would change
Police would be able to use administrative penalties instead of laying Criminal Code charges for some drivers over .08. For drivers who fail a roadside breath test, the proposed sanctions include:
- an immediate driver’s licence suspension;
- an immediate vehicle impoundment;
- an immediate ignition interlock requirement;
- immediate impaired driving education courses; and
- Safe Driver Recognition penalties (demerit points and financial).
Proposed fines
| Offence | Proposed fine |
|---|---|
| First offence | $1,000 plus a 30% victim surcharge |
| Second and later offences | $2,000 plus a 30% victim surcharge |
What would still be criminal
The province says Criminal Code charges would still be used for impaired driving that:
- causes death, injury or property damage;
- involves a passenger under 16; or
- involves refusing to provide a breath sample.
The proposal covers alcohol. Police could still lay Criminal Code charges in other cases too.
What applies today
Until a new law is passed and in force, the current rules apply: provincial sanctions for drivers from .04 to .08 and for drug-affected drivers, and for a Criminal Code charge an immediate suspension until the case is resolved plus a vehicle impoundment. See our guide to Saskatchewan impaired driving laws and Saskatchewan DUI penalties.
Why it matters
An administrative penalty would not create a criminal record, but its suspension, impoundment and fine would take effect right away. Anyone stopped while the law is changing should get advice on which rules apply to their case. See also impaired driving criminal charges.
Frequently asked questions
No. As of late October 2026 they are proposed changes to The Traffic Safety Act and are not yet law.
$1,000 plus a 30% victim surcharge. Second and later offences would be $2,000 plus the surcharge.
Yes. The province says refusal would still be handled under the Criminal Code.
The proposal is for alcohol. Drug-impaired driving would continue to be dealt with through the existing rules and the Criminal Code.
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.
