(Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police still planning to hold Christmas check stops amid pandemic

Dec 7, 2020 | 10:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is working on getting impaired drivers off the road, especially over the holiday season.

According to the LPS, impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in Canada, killing an average of four people each day.

“What makes this even more disheartening is that impaired driving is entirely preventable,” LPS stated.

“The Lethbridge Police Service is looking to raise awareness of the rules and regulations regarding impaired driving as its focus for the Select Traffic Enforcement Program for December.”

On December 1, impaired driving laws were changed in Alberta when Bill 21 came into effect. Lethbridge Police quickly voiced its support of the new legislation.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

READ MORE: Lethbridge Police in support of new provincial impaired driving rules

Previously, there were four types of sanctions for impaired drivers in Alberta. With the introduction of Bill 21, there are now five types of sanctions that will result in a license suspension for impaired drivers.

Lethbridge Police lists those sanctions as follows:

• Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS): Fail
  • Applies to drivers who are reasonably believed to be impaired by drugs and alcohol; for drivers who are over the federal legal limit for alcohol or drugs; for drivers who refuse to provide breath or fluid samples.
• Immediate Roadside Sanction: Warn
  • Applies to drivers with a blood alcohol content that is equal to or exceeds 50 mg (0.05).
• Immediate Roadside Sanction Zero: Commercial
  • Applies to drivers operating a commercial vehicle registered over 11,794 kg with any alcohol or drug in their body.
• Immediate Roadside Sanction Zero: Novice
  • Applies to novice drivers (GDL) with any alcohol or drug in their body.
• Immediate Roadside Sanction: 24 Hour Suspension
  • Applies to any driver that may have a medical or physical condition or have consumed alcohol or drugs that affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

LPS explained that with each sanction comes a specific period of license suspension and in some cases, a vehicle seizure as well. Drivers will also be required to pay a fine and fees associated with the seizure of their vehicle.

Drivers that receive an ‘IRS: Fail’ will also be required to take part in an educational course and install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle before they can apply to have their license reinstated.

LPS noted that COVID-19 has caused challenges for programs such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Operation Red Nose to operate as usual during the holidays.

Nonetheless, Lethbridge Police will still be holding their Christmas check stops and will deal with impaired drivers in “a manner that is safe for the driver and our officers.”