The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is now conducting mandatory alcohol screenings at traffic stops throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and some Canadians believe it’s a violation of human rights.
In a release Wednesday, the OPP says the move comes as impaired driving collisions and charges are up nearly 30 per cent compared to the previous five-year average.
In the GTA, drunk driving collisions mark the highest increases among the OPP’s regions and this trend is expected to continue into the spring, according to the release.
“The Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) is used and recognized throughout the world with proven results, especially among police services that have been using this effective tool for many years,” police said.
As a result, the police force is reminding motorists to be prepared to give a breath sample during a traffic stop.
Drivers are required to follow the demand, even if there’s no reason to assume a person drank alcohol, under Canada’s Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) law.
In the event that a driver refuses to comply, they could be charged for failure or refusal to comply under the Criminal Code.
In response to the news, some Canadians believe it is not right to provide a breath sample without probable cause.
“This is crossing the line!!!” one X user said.
“Something tells me that this will be challenged. What next, mandatory rectum check just in case drugs might be hidden? Rummage through your car without suspicion or a search warrant?” another user said.
“Without even a lick of evidence or suspicion? What a joke,” another comment read.
“They still need probable cause,” another user commented.
Meanwhile, others approve of the move.
“Good! People might stop #DrunkDriving with more aggressive enforcement,” one user said.
“If you never drink and drive, you don’t have to be concerned,” another user said.
