The Lethbridge Police Service began its annual Christmas Check Stop this past weekend. (File photo: LPS)

By David Opinko

Three impaired drivers caught by LPS this weekend

Dec 9, 2024 | 2:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) had a busy weekend with the start of its annual Christmas Check Stop campaign.

In partnership with the Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP, officers checked around 350 vehicles.

Three impaired drivers were removed from the road and five Immediate Roadside Sanction Cautions were issued, as well as 47 violation tickets, nine vehicles were towed, and three search warrants were executed.

LPS says drivers found to be impaired by drugs or alcohol can get a 15-month suspension with the option of having 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 Caution resulting in an immediate three-day license suspension and vehicle seizure along with a $300 fine. Penalties increase with repeated offences.

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“There is zero tolerance for drivers with a Graduated Driver’s License and offences result in an immediate 30-day license suspension, seven-day vehicle seizure and $200 fine,” reads a media release from LPS.

The Christmas Check Stop campaign will continue through December and into the New Year.

LPS asks that the public refrain from sharing the location of any check stop on social media, as dong so assists impaired drivers in avoiding detection.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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