File photo of a Lethbridge Police Service vehicle. The LPS is conducting the Christmas Check Stop campaign with partner agencies this month. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Four impaired drivers removed from local roads during Christmas Check Stop

Dec 18, 2023 | 11:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The annual Christmas Check Stop campaign continued this weekend.

Joint forces check stops by the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS), Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP resulted in four impaired drivers being taken off local roads.

The LPS said officers stopped and checked about 250 vehicles and issued four Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) Fails. Additionally, police issued two IRS Cautions, one 24-hour suspension, and 19 violation tickets.

Under the provincial IRS program, if a driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and IRS Fail will be issued. This will result in a 15-month suspension (with the option of getting an ignition interlock device after the first three months), a 30-day vehicle seizure, a $1,000 fine and mandatory completion of the Planning Ahead course.

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

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The LPS noted that penalties increase with repeated offences.

There is a zero tolerance policy for novice drivers with a Graduated Driving License (GDL) and offences result in an immediate 30-day license suspension, seven-day vehicle seizure and a $200 fine.

The 2023 Christmas Check Stop program will continue through December. Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is asked to call 911.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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