A new federal law that will come into effect on Tuesday, December 18, will make it so that officers don't need a reason to ask you for a breath sample.  

"An RCMP officer or a police officer from any jurisdictions will have the right and will put drivers who are stopped on an approved screening device," says RCMP spokeswomen, Corporal Laura Scott. 

Drivers will have to submit to a breath test roadside with the officer, or else face the same criminal penalties and provincial sanction as an impaired driving charge; a $1,000 fine as well as a one-year driving prohibition.

"If you are pulled over at a traffic stop you are required to provide a sample of your breath to the police officer," says Scott, "pulling you over to determine the level of alcohol if any in your system to determine if you are impaired or good to be driving."

This law is a reminder that drivers should make alternate transportation plans when drinking so that they can arrive safely to their destination.

New Alberta drivers have a zero tolerance level for alcohol, and drivers with blood alcohol over .08 will face consequences.

"In other words, a demand will be made that a driver will be asked to provide a sample of their breath."