Ignition Interlock Program in Saskatchewan: How It Works and What It Costs
If your licence is suspended for alcohol-impaired driving, Saskatchewan's Ignition Interlock Program can get you legally back on the road before your full suspension ends — as long as you install and maintain the device.
How to get started
You don't apply — SGI notifies you by letter if you're eligible, once you've served the required portion of your suspension and (if applicable) purchased the $75 reinstatement fee receipt.
- Receive your eligibility letter from SGI with contact info for SGI's vendor, Smart Start Canada (1-844-432-4776).
- Call Smart Start to discuss payment and book an installation appointment (have someone else drive you, since your licence isn't valid yet).
- After installation, have someone drive you to a SGI motor licence issuer near you to purchase your ignition interlock restricted licence.
- Once purchased, you can drive any vehicle with the device installed for your full required term.
Removing the device early suspends you indefinitely until it's reinstalled and the term is completed — and you'll cover any resulting extra costs.
Mandatory vs. voluntary participation
| Situation | Program type | Suspension served first | Interlock term |
|---|---|---|---|
| New driver, 2nd roadside suspension | Voluntary | 60 days | 120 days |
| New driver, 3rd roadside suspension | Mandatory | 1 year | 1 year |
| Experienced driver, 3rd roadside suspension | Mandatory | 90 days | 1 year |
For Criminal Code impaired driving convictions, participation is mandatory (except for drug-only offences, judicial exclusion, or a federal suspension for causing injury/death). Interlock terms range from 1 year (1st offence, under .16 BAC) up to 10 years (3rd+ offence, or .16+ BAC).
What it costs
Under $22 a week, paid directly to Smart Start Canada (subject to change) — contact them directly for current pricing and payment plans.
How the device works
You blow into the device before starting your vehicle; zero alcohol lets the engine start. It then requests random breath samples while driving. Missing a sample or detecting alcohol logs a warning and can trigger an alarm or disable the vehicle. You'll need a service appointment every 30-60 days to download the device's records.
Anyone can drive the vehicle while the device is installed, but every recorded sample counts against your record as the program participant — so it's worth training other household drivers on how to use it properly.
Violations extend your term
If your last 3 months in the program aren't free of alcohol infractions, violations, or tampering, your term extends by a minimum of 3 more months — and can keep extending with repeated violations.
Appeals and exemptions
You can appeal a term extension to the Highway Traffic Board within 21 days, after purchasing a non-refundable $175 appeal receipt from an issuer (terminations initiated by the service provider itself can't be appealed). You may also qualify for an exemption from mandatory participation — based on living more than 500km from a service location, a documented medical inability to use the device, no access to a vehicle, or a vendor determination that installation isn't mechanically possible. Exemptions add a 6-month suspension extension before your licence can be reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ignition interlock device cost per week in Saskatchewan?
Under $22 a week through Smart Start Canada, SGI's program vendor.
Can someone else drive my car while the interlock device is installed?
Yes, but every breath sample is logged against your record as the participant, so it's worth having other drivers trained on the device.
This page summarizes SGI's published administrative penalties for general information only and is not legal advice. If you're facing a suspension or charge, consult a lawyer about your specific situation. Penalties can change — verify current details on SGI's official site.
