By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Drive Responsibly

Alberta motorists reminded of Mandatory Alcohol Screening legislation

Jul 12, 2021 | 7:52 AM

Alberta RCMP are reminding motorists that legislation is in effect which gives police additional authority to deal with impaired driving.

Bill C-46 came into effect in Dec. 2018 and provides police the ability to demand any lawfully-stopped driver to provide a breath sample into an approved screening device.

Failure to comply carries the same or greater penalties as driving while impaired.

“Impaired driving continues to be a risk to the safety of all Albertans on our roadways,” said Superintendent Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services.

“When the COVID pandemic started we had to adjust our traffic enforcement practices for the safety of the public and our officers. Mandatory Alcohol Screening was used in a limited manner during the pandemic. However, with the restrictions lifting and life returning to normal, we are shifting back to an enforcement focus.

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“If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic offence or at a checkstop, Mandatory Alcohol Screening should be expected,” adds Graham. “When MAS is used as widely as practical, it will help us accomplish our public safety goals, while fully protecting the public’s legal and constitutional rights.”

RCMP say MAS has been internationally credited in reducing incidences of impaired driving.

It does not offer enhanced power to pull a vehicle over, rather only once a vehicle is lawfully stopped and if the officer has an approved device with them.