Police stopped about 700 vehicles during the first weekend of the 2022 Christmas Check Stop campaign in Lethbridge. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Police stop hundreds of drivers during first weekend of Christmas Check Stop campaign

Dec 13, 2022 | 7:19 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Around 700 vehicles were stopped during the first weekend of the Lethbridge Police Service’s (LPS) Christmas Check Stop campaign.

The LPS was assisted by Alberta Sheriffs in the campaign and volunteers with MADD Lethbridge and Area. The campaign aims to remove impaired drivers from the road.

During the weekend of December 9, 2022, officers arrested one impaired driver, issued three Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails, two IRS Warns, and one Graduated Driving License suspension.

Under the provincial IRS program, if an officer has reasonable cause to believe a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, or is over the legal limit, an IRS Fail will be issued. This will result in a 15-month license suspension, with the option of getting an ignition interlock device after the first three months. It will also lead to a 30-day vehicle seizure, a $1,000 fine, and mandatory completion of the Planning Ahead course.

Motorists with a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or over are subject to an IRS Warn, which will result in an immediate three-day license suspension and vehicle seizure, along with a $300 fine.

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Penalties increase with repeated offences.

The LPS noted that there is a zero tolerance policy for drivers with a Graduated Driving License. Offences result in an immediate 30-day license suspension, a $200 fine and a seven-day vehicle seizure.

The LPS Christmas Check Stop campaign will continue throughout December. Police ask citizens who plan to drink to plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home.

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