Impaired driving laws in Saskatchewan

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain who counts as a new driver for impaired driving rules.
• You can state the alcohol and drug limits that apply to you.
• You can describe the roadside consequences for new drivers.
• You can explain the Criminal Code limit and the duty to give a breath sample.

What you need to know and understand

• New drivers caught with any detectable alcohol or drugs get a roadside licence suspension and other consequences.
• Zero tolerance for drugs applies to all drivers, new and experienced.
• New drivers include everyone 21 and under, all learners and novices, and anyone with no licence in the last five years.
• A first roadside suspension for a new driver lasts 60 days. A second within 10 years is 120 days, and a third is 18 months.
• Experienced drivers face roadside penalties from a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .04.
• Under the Criminal Code it is an offence to drive with 80 mg or more of alcohol per 100 mL of blood (.08).
• Police can demand a breath sample at any lawful stop, and refusing is a criminal offence.

Who is a new driver for these rules

This means the zero alcohol rule can last beyond graduation if you are still 21 or younger.

• Anyone aged 21 or under, even with a full licence.
• Learner (Class 7), Novice 1 and Novice 2 drivers.
• Anyone who has not held a licence in the last five years.
• Learner and novice motorcyclists while riding.
• Some out-of-country, restricted and provisional licence holders.

What happens at the roadside

A new driver found with any alcohol or drugs is suspended on the spot, the vehicle is impounded and Safe Driver Recognition points are lost. Repeat offences add an education program, longer suspensions, a longer impoundment and an ignition interlock period. Penalties are higher when passengers under 16 are in the vehicle. These roadside penalties apply even if you are not charged with a crime. Our guide to zero tolerance for new drivers in Saskatchewan sets out each step.

Criminal charges

Driving while impaired to any degree by alcohol or drugs, or at or over the legal BAC or drug limits, is a Criminal Code offence. If you are charged, your licence is suspended indefinitely until the charge is resolved and the vehicle is seized for at least 30 days. Convictions bring fines, education programs, ignition interlock and large Safe Driver Recognition penalties. In June 2026 the province announced it is moving towards tougher, more immediate administrative penalties for drivers who fail a roadside breath test, and the October 2026 Throne Speech promised Traffic Safety Act amendments to do this. These changes had no start date when this page was checked, so confirm the rules in force with SGI.

Cannabis, medicines and smart choices

• Cannabis can slow reaction time, distort perception and cause drowsiness. Mixing it with alcohol greatly increases impairment.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness. Ask a pharmacist before driving and heed any warning about operating machinery.
• Coffee does not cure impairment or fatigue. Only time and sleep work.
• Plan ahead: arrange a sober driver, a taxi or a place to stay.

Common mistakes

• Thinking one drink is fine for a novice. New drivers must have zero alcohol.
• Believing cannabis is safer than alcohol behind the wheel.
• Assuming you are safe to drive in the morning after a heavy night.
• Refusing a breath test. Refusal carries penalties as serious as impaired driving.

Test yourself: Impaired driving laws in Saskatchewan

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Zero Tolerance for New Drivers in Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Novice 1 and Novice 2 Rules
• Saskatchewan Gravel and Grid Road Driving for New Drivers