Police targeting impaired drivers during annual Christmas Check Stop campaign

The Lethbridge Police Service, in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is reminding motorists to drive sober this holiday season so a night out doesn’t become a lifetime of regret.

 Check Stops will be held throughout the month of December and into the New Year as part of a targeted effort to apprehend impaired drivers.

Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to public safety and the primary goal of the Christmas Check Stop program is to remove them from the road. In addition, police will also be checking for valid documentation including driver’s licenses, vehicle registration and insurance as well as equipment, liquor and other violations. 

Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 could face criminal charges and upon conviction, the consequence of a criminal record.

Under the provincial IRS program, if a driver is found to be impaired by drugs or alcohol, an IRS Fail will be issued resulting in a 15-month suspension (with the option of getting an ignition interlock device after the first three months), 30-day vehicle seizure, $1,000 fine and mandatory completion of the Planning Ahead course. With any subsequent offences the penalties increase. In totality the financial impact of a first FAIL offence – including towing, vehicle storage, the fine, getting an interlock device and enrolling in the education program – is approximately $4,000-$5,000. 

Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or over are subject to an IRS Warn resulting in an immediate three-day license suspension and vehicle seizure along with a $300 fine. Penalties increase with repeated offences. 

There is zero tolerance for drivers with a Graduated Driving License. An offence will result in an immediate 30-day license suspension, seven-day vehicle seizure and $200 fine. 

Police can also issue an immediate 24-hour suspension for drivers suspected of being impaired by alcohol, drugs or a physical or medical condition that affects their ability to safely operate a vehicle. 

In Canada, police have the authority to request a breath test from any driver who is lawfully stopped. Sober or not, if a driver refuses to provide a breath sample they can be criminally charged. 

During holiday celebrations if you are planning to consume alcohol and/or use drugs, plan ahead for a safe ride home. Designate a sober driver (who does not drink any alcohol), call a taxi or use a rideshare service to get home safely. 

In 2023, during the month of December, police checked approximately 1,250 motorists and issued 16 immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails – removing 16 impaired drivers from the road. In addition, police issued seven IRS Cautions for drivers with a blood alcohol content of .05 or greater, one IRS Novice for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, one refusal to provide a breath sample, two 24-hour suspensions, 83 violation tickets and executed two warrants. 

If you observe a suspected impaired driver, call 911. We also ask the community to refrain from sharing the location of any Check Stop on social media as doing so assists impaired drivers avoid detection and puts all road users at risk. Thank you for doing you part to help make our roads safer.