Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS) on Routine Traffic Stops Begins April 1
On April 1, 2024, the Saskatchewan RCMP will be conducting roadside Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS) on all lawful traffic stops in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction on an on-going basis. In 2018, the MAS became part of the Criminal Code Section 320.27(2), being a lawful demand of a breath sample from any driver of a motor vehicle, without the need for reasonable suspicion. Drivers will not be pulled over for the sole purpose of completing a MAS – the MAS will only be requested once a driver is pulled over for other various traffic violations (i.e. speeding, careless driving, brake lights not working, etc.).
Why is the Saskatchewan RCMP conducting Mandatory Alcohol Screenings?
In 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP charged more than 1700 individuals with impaired driving – that is roughly 5 per day – and more than one third of all fatal collisions involved alcohol.
What can I expect if asked to do a Mandatory Alcohol Screening?
The Mandatory Alcohol Screening will be done with an approved screening device called the Alco-Sensor FST and only takes an average of 90 seconds. See video demonstration here: Saskatchewan RCMP begin Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS) on routine traffic stops (youtube.com).
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 drivers licence;
- Initial $2,250 penalty and;
- An immediate drop to -20 demerit points on your licence.
*See SGI website for more information (English only).
What if I refuse the Mandatory Alcohol Screening?
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.
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