On December 18th, 2018 new impaired driving laws came into effect for Canada.

With the recent legalization of cannabis, the RCMP have introduced saliva testing in addition to approved testing devices and field sobriety tests. As in the past refusal to provide a sample will result in criminal charges. Defence  Lawyer from Behiel Will & Biemans, John Will explains the changes. "For refusing to take or provide a breath sample or a saliva sample for drugs the minimum fine for that is now $2000.00."

Not only have the penalties increased, but police no longer require reasonable suspicion to demand a sample. "Police can without having any other grounds stop and ask a driver for a breath sample at any time." There are also changes to the time frame in which a driver can be required to provide a sample. RCMP state, "if you are, or were within the preceding three hours, operating a conveyance and a police officer has reason to suspect that you have alcohol and/or drugs in your body, a police officer may make a demand on you." Will explains what this means, "you can be found guilty if you have been tested, even after you have been driving. Previously it had to be proven your blood alcohol level at the time of driving was over the legal limit."

Each year thousands of Canadians are injured or killed by impaired drivers. The RCMP asks you to drive safely and arrive alive.