The traffic enforcement division of the Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers of provincial rules regarding drinking and driving.
As of Dec. 18, 2018, through Bill C-46, police officers in Canada can demand a breath sample from “any lawfully-stopped driver” to assess for alcohol intoxication with, or without, reasonable suspicion that a driver may be impaired.
Alberta followed that bill up in December 2020 with Bill 21, which allows officers to immediately suspend drivers licences, issue new and significant fines, seize vehicles, require mandatory education to get a licence back, and more.
Fines increase for repeat offenders, and a vehicle seizure for a first offence is 30-days, with all associated fees. Things escalate from there, including moving to a vehicle ignition interlock program.
Additionally, all offenders are required to go through mandatory driver education.
These are just the Alberta sanctions that can be issued, depending on the situation criminal code — federal — charges could still be issued by the officer.
Alberta’s RCMP officers are asking all drivers to not drink and drive this upcoming festive season, it keeps the roads safer for everyone.