Drive sober!

By Lethbridge Herald on December 5, 2025.

Members of Lethbridge Police Service will be in out in full force during the holiday season, performing Check Stops and keeping drunk drivers off the roads.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

Now that the holiday season celebrations are beginning to take place, Lethbridge Police Service and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are reminding motorists to drive sober. 

Sgt. Tony Ramotowski with the Traffic Response Unit said Check Stops will be held throughout the month of December and into the New Year as 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,” said Ramotowski.  

He said 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.

“Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 could face criminal charges and upon conviction, the consequence of a criminal record,” said Ramotowski.

He explained that 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 to $5,000,” said Ramotowski.

He said 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,” said Ramotowski. 

He said 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,” said Ramotowski. 

He said during holiday celebrations if people are planning to consume alcohol and/or use drugs, they need to plan ahead for a safe ride home. 

“Designate a sober driver who does not drink any alcohol, call a taxi or friend to get home safely,” said Ramotowski. 

He shared that in 2024, during the month of December, police checked approximately 1,250 motorists and issued 10 IRS Fails removing 10 impaired drivers from the road. 

“In addition, police issued 10 IRS Warns for drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.05-0.079, two IRS Novice penalties for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, 123 violation tickets, five criminal charges and executed six warrants,” said Ramotowski. 

If anyone observes a suspected impaired driver, Ramotowski said they should call 911. And if people see or are stopped at a Check Stop, LPS is asking residents to not share the location. 

“Please refrain from sharing the location of any Check Stop on social media as doing so assists impaired drivers avoid detection and puts all road users at risk,” said Ramotowski. 

When talking about LPS partnership with MADD, Ramotowski said it is great as they help them educate drivers during Check Stops. 

Anita Huchala, president and victim support volunteer with MADD Lethbridge and Area, shared that when drivers see MADD volunteers working alongside police, it reinforces that impaired driving enforcement is not just a law enforcement issue, it is a community safety and victim prevention issue. 

“Our presence humanizes the message and may help the driver be more receptive to the officers,” said Huchala. “Many of our MADD volunteers are victims or family members of impaired driving crashes.” 

She said their presence reminds the public of the real-world consequences of impaired driving. And she believes this may be a more powerful message than statistics. 

“Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe, drive sober, stay alert and respect the law,” said Huchala.  

She said being part of the Check Stops is extremely important for MADD, as it makes their presence known in the community. 

“I think it helps reassure to the community that the police are out there trying to help keep our roads safe and find these impaired drivers and get them off the road,” said Huchala. 

She explained that when they take part of the Check Stops, they thank sober drivers for driving sober and they have some treats that they hand out. 

“We give out candy canes, we may have some special gifts that were giving out this year, but we also thank those people for driving sober,” said Huchala. 

She said lots of people are very receptive and thank them for doing the job they do. And Huchala shared that she has been stopped a couple of times and asked if she cud hug the driver.  

“It’s heartwarming, and it’s also kind of inspiring that people are aware that there is a need for this, and people have to make that right choice to stay sober,” said Huchala.