The LPS Christmas Check Stop campaign aims to get impaired drivers off the road. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police Service

Christmas Check Stop campaign yields more results in Lethbridge

Dec 19, 2022 | 9:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) continued its annual Christmas Check Stop campaign over the weekend.

The initiative aims to remove impaired drivers from local roads. For the weekend period of Friday, December 16, 2022 to Sunday, December 18, the LPS was assisted by Alberta Sheriffs and the RCMP.

Police say two Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails were issued. Two IRS Warns were handed out.

Under the provincial IRS program, if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect someone is driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol or is over the legal limit, an IRS Fail will be issued. This will result in a 15-month suspension, with the option of getting an ignition interlock device installed in the driver’s vehicle after three months. An IRS Fail will also result in a 30-day vehicle seizure, a $1,000 fine and will require the driver to complete the Planning Ahead course.

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

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The LPS noted that penalties will increase with repeated offences.

The Christmas Check Stop will continue throughout the rest of December. Citizens that spot a suspected impaired driver are asked to contact police immediately.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Police targeting impaired drivers during Christmas Check Stop program

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