Waterloo regional police begin mandatory alcohol screening at all traffic stops [Video]

All drivers pulled over by Waterloo Regional Police Service officers may now face an alcohol screening test.

WRPS announced they would be launching a Mandatory Alcohol Screening Pilot Project starting on July 1 in an attempt to crack down on impaired driving.

“We are piloting this project with our traffic services unit to see if this will have a positive effect on our ability to detect it and force impaired drivers,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Griffiths.

According to a WRPS news release, 939 impaired driving related charges were laid in 2023 and impaired driving was considered to be a factor in two deaths.

“What’s concerning for us is that there has been an increase year over year. So we’ve seen increases consistently.”

WRPS officers will now ask all drivers pulled over as part of a traffic stop to provide a roadside breath sample, even if the officer does not suspect …