Alberta

Identification of Offenders. Alberta has a very active random roadcheck program for identifying impaired drivers called CheckStop. Approved screening devices are used. Drivers who register a "warn" (50 mg%) or whose ability is deemed affected by alcohol can have their licence suspended for 24 hours.

Criminal Code Offences. Drivers charged with impaired driving causing death or bodily harm are referred to the Driver Control Board. The Board may elect to suspend the alleged offender until the court disposes of the matter.

Drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence in Alberta face a licence suspension of 1, 3 and 5 years for a first, second, and subsequent offence, respectively.

Licence Reinstatement. To be reinstated as drivers, first offenders must pay a $140 reinstatement fee, pass a driver’s test, and complete the Planning Ahead program, a one-day educational workshop for impaired drivers.

Repeat offenders must also pay the reinstatement fee and pass a driver’s test and complete the IMPACT program, a weekend alcohol assessment/insight program. Third offenders are also required to attend a hearing with the Driver Control Board.

Alberta also has an active vehicle seizure and impoundment program. Police have the authority to impound for 30 days the vehicle of anyone caught driving without a licence.

Alberta is presently the only jurisdiction in Canada to operate an alcohol ignition interlock program. After serving the court-ordered prohibition from driving and meeting all the other conditions of licence reinstatement, offenders may apply to the Driver Control Board for entry into the interlock program. The offender is granted a licence restricted to the operation of an interlock-equipped vehicle. The costs of installation and maintenance of the interlock device are the responsibility of the offender. The program has recently been extended to first offenders.

Future Initiatives. No new initiatives are planned at this time.