Starting today, the fines for speeding in Saskatchewan are on the rise. The increases were announced earlier this year.

The base amount for a speeding ticket increased by $30, and the fine per kilometre over the limit doubled. This could lead to some costly tickets for those who have a heavy foot, in particular when passing emergency vehicles, or travelling through construction zones or school zones.

Constable Kalin Wiebe is with the Weyburn Police Service and works in the Combined Traffic Services Section. He explained how the fines will be applied, depending on where you are.

“All school zones in Weyburn are 30 kilometres an hour, whether it’s Saturday, Sunday, it’s 24/7, 365 days at this point,” he prefaced. “Fifteen over, so doing 45 in that zone, will cost a person $350.”

Those who are caught over the speed limit on other roadways will also see a steep increase. The ticket for exceeding the limit by 20 kilometres an hour will go up to $190. It was $130 before the increases took effect. Going 31 kilometres over the limit will see a ticket issued for $284.

Those who go 36 kilometres an hour or more over the limit will also see a hefty ticket. Wiebe explained those tickets will start at $310. They can quickly approach upwards of $400 as well.

One area of concern which has come up numerous times is speeding when passing emergency vehicles. The speed limit when passing an emergency vehicle or tow truck is 60 kilometres an hour, no matter which lane or side of the highway the emergency vehicle is on. The fines for going faster than 60 will cost quite a bit.

“Passing an emergency vehicle or tow truck by only 10 kilometres an hour, so travelling 70 where you should be doing 60 kilometres an hour, will cost you $310,” Wiebe explained.

The fines for speeding in construction zones are also increasing. They start at $360 for going just 10 over the limit.

On top of the financial penalties for speeding, there are numerous additional penalties from SGI, the crown insurance company. There is the possibility of losing points under the Safe Driver Recognition Penalty. This can have a negative impact when renewing your license, through increased amounts needed to be paid, or losing discounts earned through years of safe driving.