Saskatchewan New Driver Penalties: GDL Improvement and Zero Tolerance
What happens if a new driver gets a ticket in Saskatchewan?
A new Saskatchewan driver who is convicted of a listed offence, or is at least 50% at fault for a crash that the insurer pays for, enters SGI's Graduated Driver Licensing Improvement program. A first incident worth 2 points or less, such as speeding over the posted limit, brings a warning letter. 3 to 6 points brings a seminar. Later incidents can bring courses, then 30, 90 and 180-day suspensions.
Where the new driver penalty rules come from
The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Improvement steps and the appeal rules are in The Driver Licensing and Suspension Regulations, 2006. The roadside alcohol and drug suspensions are in The Traffic Safety Act. SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) explains both in the Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook (2026-27), and it lists every offence and its points at sgi.sk.ca/new-driver-improvement. Set ticket amounts are in The Summary Offences Procedure Regulations, 1991. This guide is as of 2026. Each King's Printer consolidation says that it is not official. Confirm the rules with SGI (sgi.sk.ca) before you drive.
Who counts as a new driver in Saskatchewan
Under the regulations, new drivers include the holder of a Class 7 learner's licence, the holder of a Class 5 licence with a Novice 1 or Novice 2 restriction, and a person who has not held a current licence in the past five years. Drivers in any of the three Graduated Driver Licensing stages go into the GDL Improvement program when they are at fault for a collision, or get a conviction or a suspension. SGI runs the program.
What counts as an incident
An incident is a crash in which the new driver is at least 50% at fault and the insurer pays for the loss or damage, or a conviction for an offence on the regulations' list. Each incident has a rating in points. The rating of the first incident decides the first step. Each later incident moves the driver to the next step in the table below.
Points for common incidents under the GDL Improvement program
- A collision where the new driver is more than 50% at fault and the insurer pays $700 or more under The Automobile Accident Insurance Act: 6 points.
- The same collision with a payment of less than $700: 4 points. At exactly 50% fault with a payment of less than $700: 2 points.
- Speeding over the limit shown on the signs: 2 points. Speeding by 35 km/h or more over the posted limit: 4 points.
- Failing to obey a stop sign: 4 points.
- Holding, viewing, using or manipulating a phone while driving: 4 points.
- The full list of offences and points: sgi.sk.ca/new-driver-improvement, or 1-844-855-2744.
GDL Improvement steps for Saskatchewan new drivers
| Incident | What SGI does |
|---|---|
| First incident, 2 points or less | Sends a warning letter by ordinary mail |
| First incident, 3 to 6 points | Requires an education or safety seminar (SGI calls it a Traffic Safety Education session) |
| Next incident after a warning letter | Requires a seminar |
| Next incident after a seminar | Requires a defensive driving course |
| Next incident after a defensive driving course | May require a driver improvement course |
| Next incident after a driver improvement course | May suspend the licence for 30 days |
| Next incident after a 30-day suspension | May suspend the licence for 90 days |
| Next incident after a 90-day suspension | May suspend the licence for 180 days |
What a first ticket means for a new driver
A first conviction for speeding over the posted limit is worth 2 points, so it brings a warning letter. A stop sign or phone conviction is worth 4 points, so as a first incident it goes straight to the seminar. The question on what follows a first incident worth three to six points tests this step.
Zero alcohol and zero drugs for Saskatchewan new drivers
New drivers get zero tolerance for alcohol, and all drivers, new or experienced, get zero tolerance for drugs. The roadside alcohol rule also covers every driver aged 21 or younger, with or without a licence. It applies when an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver had any alcohol in the body. A new driver with any detectable alcohol or drugs is suspended at the roadside, and the officer must have the vehicle immobilized or impounded.
Roadside suspension and impoundment for alcohol or drugs (new drivers and drivers 21 or younger)
| Earlier roadside notices in the past 10 years | Licence suspension | Vehicle impoundment | Impoundment with a passenger under 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | 60 days | 3 days | 7 days |
| One | 120 days | 7 days | 30 days |
| Two or more | 18 months | 14 days | 60 days |
Required course and ignition interlock after a roadside suspension
After a first roadside notice in 10 years, the driver must complete a Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course within 120 days. For an alcohol suspension, a driver with one or more earlier notices may join the ignition interlock program to get the licence back early. With two or more earlier notices, the licence comes back only with interlock. Once installed, the interlock must stay in for the required period. The question on the impoundment term with a 15-year-old passenger tests the passenger rule in the table.
How a new driver can lose the licence or the Novice 2 time
Appeals: what a Saskatchewan new driver can appeal
- A new driver can appeal SGI's GDL Improvement penalty to the Highway Traffic Board, on the board's form. The board is independent from SGI.
- The warning letter, the Traffic Safety Education session, an interview request and a manual review cannot be appealed.
- A driver can appeal a roadside suspension for alcohol or drugs. The vehicle owner or the driver can appeal the impoundment.
- On a roadside alcohol appeal, the board decides one question: did the driver drive with any alcohol in the body, or refuse the demand?
- For a roadside suspension, the board's decision is final. Ask the Highway Traffic Board for the filing deadline before you file.
Key takeaways
- A conviction for a listed offence, or a crash where you are at least 50% at fault, puts a new driver in the GDL Improvement program.
- A first incident of 2 points or less brings a warning letter. 3 to 6 points brings a seminar. Later steps reach 30, 90 and 180-day suspensions.
- New drivers have zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs. A first roadside suspension is 60 days, and the vehicle is impounded for 3 days (7 days with a passenger under 16).
- An appeal goes to the Highway Traffic Board and does not stop a suspension.
- Next step: practise the road rules on the free Saskatchewan Class 7 practice test.
Saskatchewan new driver penalties: common questions
Does a 19-year-old with a full Class 5 licence need zero alcohol?
Yes. The roadside rule covers any person who drives at 21 years of age or younger, whether or not that person holds a licence. The same suspension lengths apply: 60 days for a first notice in 10 years.
Is zero tolerance for drugs only for new drivers?
No. All drivers, new or experienced, get zero tolerance for drugs. For a new driver or a driver aged 21 or younger, a roadside screening device that shows drugs brings the same roadside suspension as alcohol: 60 days on a first notice in 10 years, plus a vehicle impoundment.
Who pays to get an impounded car back in Saskatchewan?
The vehicle owner pays all towing and storage costs. The car is impounded even when the driver does not own it, for example when a new driver borrows a parent's car. The owner can recover what they paid from the driver in any way the law allows.
How much is a phone ticket for a new driver in Saskatchewan?
The set ticket amount is $500 for a first offence, and the fine on conviction is up to $500, or up to $1,000 for a second conviction in 12 months. A new driver cannot use the hands-free exception. The offence is worth 4 points, so as a first incident it brings the seminar.
Does an appeal stop my suspension?
No. An appeal to the Highway Traffic Board does not stay a suspension. For a GDL Improvement penalty, the board can also overturn the penalty, or impose a different or additional one, including a longer suspension.
Practise for your Saskatchewan Class 7 test
5 free practice tests with 100 questions, answers and explanations.
Start free Practice Test 1Share or ask AI about this article
Continue the conversation or send this guide to someone who needs it.
Related guides
How to Get a Class 7 Learner's Licence in Alberta (2026 Steps)
You can apply for an Alberta Class 7 learner's licence at 14. See the four steps, the knowledge test fee, the temporary licence and what you may drive.
Florida Learner's License at 15: Requirements, Hours and Rules
How to get a Florida learner's license at 15: the tests, the course, parental consent, who must ride with you, when you can drive and what comes next.
Can International Students Drive in Michigan? License Rules
Yes, if you are temporarily in the U.S., you may drive on your home license, with a translation or IDP if it is not in English. See the F-1 and J-1 documents.