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Mandatory Alcohol Screening Coming: OPP

Friday, 3 May 2024 07:14

By Marcie Culbert @marcieculbert

For every traffic stop, for speeding, distracted driving, anything

ONTARIO - The OPP Highway Safety Division is introducing mandatory alcohol screening for every traffic stop.

Sergeant Kerry Schmidt made the announcement yesterday evening in a video posted on the OPP Highway Safety Division X page.

"So if you're stopped for speeding, a cellphone, a seatbelt offense, or anytime you are stopped by the OPP Highway Safety Division, you can expect you will also be required to provide a sample of your breath."

He explains what would happen if you fail to do so.

"You are required by law to provide a breath sample. Failure to do so will result in an automatic 90-day licence suspension, a seven-day vehicle impound, and a criminal charge. Please let's all do our part, if you drink don't drive and if you drive don't drink. Let's make sure we all get to our destinations safe."

He says impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death on our highways.

This is all because the OPP has seen an increase in impaired driving-related crashes and charges this year. It's about a 30 percent increase compared to the five-year average. The GTA has also seen a 50 percent increase in impaired driving crashes this year compared to the past five years.

Police in Ontario have had the right to request a breath sample during any traffic stop since 2018.

The OPP Highway Safety Division covers the major highways in Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, Aurora, Cambridge, Whitby, and Niagara. It also covers Highway 407.

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