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Mandatory Alcohol Screening

Breath sample will be required at checkstops

Dec 10, 2021 | 2:52 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Wanting to ensure a safe holiday season for all, Medicine Hat Police Service will be conducting checkstops more often over the next few weeks.

Some checkstops will be advertised, like ones happening this Saturday and next, while others will not. Police say checkstops will be conducted at various times throughout the day.

City police are also reminding motorists about impaired driving legislation that came into effect three years ago, which included the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS).

“When entering a checkstop drivers will be required to provide a sample of breath,” reads a release from MHPS. “The MAS test is very quick to complete. The device provides an immediate reading and drivers that pass will continue on their way in as little as 30 seconds. The goal is to provide minimal disruption to motorists while enhancing the safety of our roadways.”

In 2019 the MHPS charged 128 impaired drivers. In 2020, 88 were charged and year-to-date in 2021, (as of December 7) there have been 104 charges for an Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) Fail under the new legislation. In addition, there have been 76 other IRS sanctions issued for 24-hour and warning suspensions.

READ MORE: Holiday checkstops underway in more ways than one this year: Medicine Hat police