The Saskatchewan government is reminding residents that tougher laws against impaired driving will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.

“These changes reinforce that driving when you’ve been drinking is the wrong decision,” Joe Hargrave, minister responsible for SGI, said in a media release. “Tougher consequences around vehicle seizures, license suspensions and mandatory ignition interlock drive home the point that you risk not only your life, but the lives of everyone else on the road when you choose to drive impaired.”

The legislation was introduced earlier this year to strengthen impaired driving laws implemented in 2014.

Starting on Jan. 1:

• Experienced drivers charged for the first time with a blood alcohol level over .04 will face a three-day vehicle seizure

• There will be zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol for drivers under 21 years old and all new drivers (drivers with who have held a driver’s license for one year or less)

• There will be mandatory ignition interlock for drivers with a registered blood alcohol level of .16 or higher or drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample (First offence – two years; second offence – five years; third and subsequent offences – 10 years)

“New laws take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, so make sure to plan a safe ride home from any New Year’s Eve celebrations if you plan on drinking,” Hargrave said. “If you’re 21 or under or a new driver, remember that zero tolerance means you can’t consume any alcohol or drugs before driving.”

Safe ride options include:

• Ding in the New Year in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert

• Operation Red Nose in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and The Battlefords

• Planning for a designated driver

• Calling a cab

Laws to discourage distracted driving are also set to begin on Jan. 1.

The new laws include:

• All drivers cannot use hand-held cellphones

• Experienced drivers can use hands-free devices

• New drivers cannot use hands-free devices

• Cell phones that are mounted to the dash, clipped to the visor or in a cradle are considered hands-free as long as the phone can be accessed using one touch of a button or voice commands

More information about the changes can be found at sgi.sk.ca.