The Provincial Administrative Penalties
Act (the “Act”) came into force on
December 1, 2020. The Government of Alberta has stated the purpose
of the Act is to simplify its existing impaired
driving programs and strengthen its impaired driving laws.
The Act introduces a new Immediate
Roadside Sanction (“IRS”) program with
immediate and escalating consequences for impaired drivers,
including: (a) new fines up to $2,000; (b) increased length of
vehicle seizures; and (c) increased driver's licence
suspensions for repeat offenders. Notably, most first-time impaired
driving offences will now result in administrative penalties as
opposed to criminal charges. Drivers will be able to have their
charges handled outside of court.
