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Alberta Immediate Roadside Sanction (Impaired Driving) Appeal Process

Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) in Alberta: How to Fight Back

Learn what an Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) in Alberta means, the penalties you face, and how to dispute your IRS through the SafeRoads Alberta appeal process. Protect your licence, your vehicle, and your insurance rates.

What Is an Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS)?​

An Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) is an administrative penalty in Alberta, issued under the SafeRoads Alberta program to deal with impaired driving quickly—without waiting for criminal court.

You can get an IRS for:

  • Failing or refusing a roadside breathalyzer or drug test
  • Driving over the legal alcohol or drug limit
  • Showing visible signs of impairment

⚠️ Important: You only have 7 days to appeal. Paying the fine right away forfeits your right to a hearing or appeal.

Types of IRS in Alberta

SafeRoads Alberta issues five types of Immediate Roadside Sanctions:

  • IRS: Fail – issued if you exceed alcohol/drug limits, refuse a test, or show impairment.
  • IRS: Warn – for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.05–0.079.
  • IRS: 24-Hour – temporary suspension for suspected impairment or medical issues.
  • IRS Zero: Novice – for learner or probationary drivers with any alcohol/drugs.
  • IRS Zero: Commercial – for commercial drivers with any alcohol/drugs while working.

Alberta IRS Penalties and Fees

An IRS penalty in Alberta goes beyond just fines. Common penalties include:

  • Vehicle Seizure: 30-day impoundment. Towing and storage fees often exceed $2,000.
  • Fines & Surcharges: First IRS: Fail = $1,000 fine + $200 surcharge, a 90-day suspension, and 12 months with ignition interlock.
  • Repeat Offences: Second and third IRS convictions bring higher fines, longer suspensions, mandatory programs, and even lifetime bans.
  • Review Fees: $150 for an oral review, $50 for a written one—non-refundable and due within 7 days.

These penalties can devastate families, especially low-income Albertans, making appealing your IRS crucial.

How to Dispute an IRS in Alberta

If you receive a Notice of Administrative Penalty (NAP), here’s how to dispute it:

  1. Log into the SafeRoads Alberta portal using your NAP details.
  2. Request a review – choose oral (live) or written.
  3. Upload evidence – witness statements, video, police notes, or test records.
  4. Attend your review – hearings are online or by phone.
  5. Get a decision – SafeRoads must respond within 30 days.

👉 Tip: Don’t delay. Missing the 7-day deadline means you lose your right to appeal.

Beating an IRS: Common Defence Arguments

To win your IRS appeal, you often need to prove that the officer made errors. Common arguments include:

  • Officer didn’t confirm “care and control” of the vehicle
  • Breath or drug tests weren’t done properly or on time
  • You weren’t informed of your right to a second test
  • Roadside appeal procedure was mishandled

With the right legal help, these errors can be enough to have your IRS cancelled.

Paying an IRS Penalty

If you don’t dispute your IRS, you can pay it through the SafeRoads portal:

  • Full payment before deadline
  • Partial payments until full balance is cleared
  • Payment plan requests (interest may apply)

⚠️ Missing payments can result in collections, additional fines, or suspension of your licence.

Vehicle Seizure Notice Explained

Alongside an IRS, you may also get a Vehicle Seizure Notice:

  • Your vehicle is seized for 30 days
  • You must cover all towing and storage fees
  • Even owners who weren’t driving may face penalties

You can appeal the seizure if you believe it was unjustified, but fees still apply during the process.

An Immediate Roadside Sanction in Alberta comes with heavy penalties: licence suspensions, thousands in fines, and vehicle seizures. But you have rights—and only 7 days to act.

🚨 Don’t pay your fine before seeking advice. Once you pay, you lose your right to fight back.

At Ticket Help, we specialize in fighting IRS penalties in Alberta, navigating the SafeRoads appeal process and protecting your driving record and insurance rates

📞 Call or message us today at 825-760-4357 for a free case revie