The Lethbridge Police Service is launching its annual Christmas Check Stop campaign. (Photo: LPS)

By David Opinko

Check stops being conducted throughout December in Lethbridge

Dec 5, 2025 | 11:09 AM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is once again asking all motorists to drive sober.

It, along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, has launched the annual Christmas Check Stop campaign.

The campaign is 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,” reads a news release from LPS. “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.”

In last year’s campaign, officers checked 1,250 vehicles and issued 10 Immediate Roadside Sanction Fails – removing 10 impaired drivers from the road.

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

Another 10 IRS Warns were issued for drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration between .05 and .079, as well as two IRD Novice penalties for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, 123 violation tickets, five criminal charges, and six executed warrants.

The following information on impaired driving laws was provided by LPS:

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

Under the provincial Immediate Roadside Sanctions (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.