Intoxilyzer 800 Approved for Roadside Screening

Summary#

This order adds the Intoxilyzer 800 to the list of devices that police can use for preliminary roadside breath screening under the Approved Screening Devices Order and the Criminal Code. It took effect when registered on September 30, 2020. The approval lets police forces buy and use this model for preliminary alcohol screening.

What it does#

• Adds the Intoxilyzer 800 to the list of approved screening devices in the Approved Screening Devices Order.
• Allows law enforcement to use the device for preliminary breath tests that check for a probable prohibited blood alcohol level under the Criminal Code.
• The change came into force on the day the order was registered (September 30, 2020).
• Use and purchase of the device by police agencies are voluntary; agencies choosing it will face equipment and training costs.

Who's affected#

• Police forces and other law enforcement agencies that do roadside breath screening. They can now choose to buy and use the Intoxilyzer 800.
• Drivers stopped for suspected impaired driving. They may encounter this model during a preliminary breath test.
• The approval was recommended by the Alcohol Test Committee (ATC) of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science.
• It is unclear from the notice whether any specific provinces, territories, or agencies had already planned purchases.

Why it matters#

• Police get another scientifically reviewed tool for detecting impaired driving. That can affect how roadside screening is done in practice.
• Agencies that adopt the device will face purchase and training costs.
• For the public, the main effect is that one more approved model may appear at roadside checks. The order itself does not force police to use it.