The traffic safety spotlight for SGI and law enforcement in Saskatchewan this month will be on new drivers and the fact there is zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs for them.  

“This isn’t about spoiling anyone’s good time; it’s about reminding all drivers, including new ones, that you’ve always got options to find a safe ride home,” said JP Cullen, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “Choosing not to drive impaired will keep you safe and keep you out of trouble.”  

Data from 2023 showed 982 new drivers in the province had their licenses suspended for exceeding the provincial limits on alcohol and drugs. SGI pointed out this made up for more than one-third of all the administrative suspensions for impaired driving in the province last year, while new drivers only account for nine percent of all the licensed drivers in Saskatchewan.  

A new driver is classed as anyone who is in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program or any driver who is under the age of 21. New drivers have zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs in their system while behind the wheel. Experienced drivers – those who are over the age of 22 and are no longer a Learner or Novice – cannot legally drive if they have a blood alcohol level of .04. All drivers in Saskatchewan are subject to the zero tolerance laws concerning drug-impaired driving.  

New drivers who have a positive result for alcohol or drugs during a roadside screening will end up with a license suspension of at least 60 days, and will also have their vehicle impounded for three days. Administrative roadside offences also come with the requirement of attending a mandatory impaired driver education course and getting four demerit points under SGI's Safe Driver Recognition program.