Drivers who have been charged and convicted, in both alcohol and non-alcohol related driving offences, are required to serve a court-ordered, mandatory driving prohibition period. Examples of criminal code violations that are not alcohol related include such offences as dangerous driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving while disqualified, among others. For more information on licence suspensions, visit the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) website.
Drivers with a licence suspension, as a result of a non-alcohol driving offence, can file for an appeal with the Highway Traffic Board (HTB) to request a restricted licence. A restricted licence limits where and when the driver may drive during their prohibition period.
You may be granted a restricted licence if you can demonstrate the following:
- the licence suspension will cause you exceptional hardship; and
- permitting you to drive with a restricted licence would not be contrary to public interest.
To be eligible to apply for a restricted licence, the following criteria must apply:
- You have completed your required educational program(s).
- Your conviction is non-alcohol or drug related, and you have served the entire court-ordered prohibition period.
- Your conviction of Driving while Disqualified is under The Traffic Safety Act.
If your conviction is alcohol related, the following criteria must apply:
- You have completed your mandatory ignition interlock term and must still serve the provincial suspension.
Note, your restricted driving term will not end until you are eligible for a full driver's licence; there is no longer a provisional licence period.
Provided the above requirements are satisfied, you may apply to the HTB for restricted driving privileges. SGI will send you a letter that includes your HTB special restricted licence eligibility date.
How to File for a Restricted Licence:
- Complete the Restricted Licence Application Form.
- Purchase a special restricted licence receipt at any motor licence issuer. This will cost $175.
- Mail or fax the application form and receipt to the HTB.
- The HTB will contact you to arrange a date and time for your appeal hearing.
What to Expect at the Hearing:
- The hearing is informal, scheduled during the day, and will take place in Regina or Saskatoon.
- The hearing will take about 30 minutes.
- You will appear in person before three board members.
- The onus of proof lies with you.
- You must demonstrate to the board both that the absence of any driving privileges would cause you exceptional hardship and that issuing you a driver's licence would not be contrary to the public interest.
- The board members can grant the restricted licence or deny your appeal.
- You will receive a letter in the mail with the results of the hearing.
- If successful, you must visit an SGI motor licence issuer to purchase a driver's licence or a reprint of your driver's licence that contains the special restrictions.
- If unsuccessful, then your licence will remain suspended until you are eligible for a full driver's licence.
- Decisions reached by the HTB are final and binding, and cannot be appealed.