Fight Your Immediate Roadside Sanction
Received an IRS Fail, Warn or Zero in Alberta? Our experienced agents specialize in representing drivers at SafeRoads reviews. We handle your IRS appeal on your behalf. We’ve represented over 1,200 Alberta drivers. Call for a free consultation.
You have 7 days from the date your IRS notice was issued to request a standard SafeRoads review.
Call for a Free Consultation — 403-465-1324
What Is an Immediate Roadside Sanction?
An Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) is an Alberta administrative penalty that immediately suspends your licence. Depending on the sanction, it can also mean a vehicle seizure, fines and reinstatement requirements.
You can challenge your sanction through a SafeRoads review. Our agents examine the evidence, identify grounds for cancellation and prepare your appeal. You do not have to figure out the process on your own.
Types of Immediate Roadside Sanctions in Alberta
Under Alberta’s impaired driving laws, police may issue different types of Immediate Roadside Sanctions depending on the circumstances.
Each type of IRS has its own specific consequences, which increase in severity depending on the occurrence number.
Immediate Roadside Sanction – FAIL (IRS FAIL)
An IRS FAIL is issued when a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a contravention under Alberta’s impaired driving provisions has occurred. That belief may be based on observed signs of impairment, objective testing, a refusal to comply with a lawful demand, or a combination of factors.
An IRS FAIL results in an immediate licence suspension and related penalties, with severity increasing based on prior occurrences.
An IRS review focuses on whether the regulatory grounds for cancellation have been established and whether the requirements set out in regulation were properly met at the time the sanction was issued.
IRS: FAIL Penalties
First Occurrence
IRS: FAIL — 1st Occurrence
Immediate 2-stage suspension: 90 days no driving, followed by a further 12-month suspension
May apply to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program during the 12-month suspension (discretionary, not guaranteed)
30-day vehicle seizure
$1,000 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Must complete the Planning Ahead course
Insurance rate increases
If criminal-level impaired charges are also laid, additional court-imposed penalties may apply
Second Occurrence
IRS: FAIL — 2nd Occurrence
Immediate 2-stage suspension: 90 days no driving, followed by a further 36-month suspension
May apply to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program during the 36-month suspension (discretionary, not guaranteed)
30-day vehicle seizure
$2,000 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Must complete the IMPACT Program
Insurance rate increases
If criminal-level impaired charges are also laid, additional court-imposed penalties may apply
Third+ Occurrence
IRS: FAIL — 3rd+ Occurrence
Immediate 2-stage suspension: 90 days no driving, followed by a lifetime suspension
May apply to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program (discretionary, not guaranteed). May apply for reinstatement after 10 years.
30-day vehicle seizure
$2,000 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Insurance rate increases
If criminal-level impaired charges are also laid, additional court-imposed penalties may apply
Immediate Roadside Sanction – WARN (IRS WARN)
An IRS WARN is issued when a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a driver has blood alcohol content above 50 mg% but is below the prescribed criminal limit.
An IRS WARN results in an immediate licence suspension and related consequences. While the immediate penalties are less severe than an IRS Fail, the severity of those consequences increases with prior occurrences. An IRS WARN can also affect your insurance. The impact depends on your insurer and driving history, not just the fine listed on your notice.
An IRS WARN appeal focuses on whether the regulatory grounds have been established and whether the procedural requirements set out in legislation were followed.
IRS: WARN Penalties
First Occurrence
IRS: WARN — 1st Occurrence
3-day immediate licence suspension
3-day vehicle seizure
$300 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Second Occurrence
IRS: WARN — 2nd Occurrence
15-day immediate licence suspension
7-day vehicle seizure
$600 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Must complete the Crossroads course (Planning Ahead may also be accepted)
Third+ Occurrence
IRS: WARN — 3rd+ Occurrence
30-day immediate licence suspension
7-day vehicle seizure
$1,200 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Must complete the IMPACT Program
Immediate Roadside Sanction – ZERO (IRS ZERO)
An IRS ZERO is issued to drivers who are subject to zero-tolerance driving conditions, including novice, probationary, and certain commercial drivers. It is issued when a peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver has alcohol or drugs in their body while operating a motor vehicle.
An IRS ZERO results in an immediate administrative licence suspension and related consequences under Alberta’s impaired driving regime.
An IRS ZERO review focuses on whether the regulatory grounds were met and whether the administrative requirements were properly followed.
IRS ZERO: Commercial Penalties
First Occurrence
IRS: ZERO Commercial — 1st Occurrence
3-day immediate licence suspension
$300 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Second Occurrence
IRS: ZERO Commercial — 2nd Occurrence
15-day immediate licence suspension
$600 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Third+ Occurrence
IRS: ZERO Commercial — 3rd+ Occurrence
30-day immediate licence suspension
$1,200 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
All Occurrences
IRS: ZERO Novice — 1st & Subsequent
30-day immediate licence suspension
7-day vehicle seizure
$200 fine plus 20% victim fine surcharge
Immediate Roadside Sanction – 24-Hour Suspension
A 24-hour suspension can be issued when a peace officer reasonably suspects that alcohol, drugs, or a physical or medical condition affects a driver’s ability to drive safely. The licence suspension lasts 24 hours, and the officer may also seize the vehicle for 24 hours.
IRS 24 Penalties
All Occurrences
IRS: 24-Hour — 1st & Subsequent
24-hour immediate licence suspension
The peace officer may seize the vehicle for 24 hours
A free consultation can help determine which regulatory grounds for cancellation may be available in your case.
Keep In Mind:
You Have 7 Days to Request a Review of Your IRS Sanction
To challenge an Immediate Roadside Sanction, you must request a standard SafeRoads review within 7 days of the date your Notice of Administrative Penalty was issued. If no review is requested within that time, the sanction remains in effect.
In some circumstances, a late IRS review may still be possible if the deadline has already passed. Eligibility for a late review depends on specific factors, which we can explain during a free consultation.
- Call us now: 403-465-1324
- Missed the deadline? Learn about late review options
Let’s Get You Back on the Road – Start Your Appeal Today
- Amanda C.“There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Jeff and his wife. I felt lost and hopeless, and they gave me my life back. Their kindness, honesty, and dedication are unmatched. Within weeks, I was back on the road with my license, registration, and insurance restored.
They are professional, efficient, and truly care about the people they help. They communicated with me every step of the way and made what felt impossible, possible. I will recommend them to absolutely anyone who needs help. They are true miracle workers. God bless you both. I highly, highly recommend this company to anyone looking for real help, real results, and people who genuinely care about you.”
How This Process Works
Start With a Free Consultation
Tell us what happened and show us your IRS notice. We explain your options, check your deadline and answer your questions about the appeal and our fees.
We File Your Review Request
If you hire us and have not already requested a review, we handle that step on your behalf. We confirm the review date and the deadlines for preparing and submitting your case.
We Build Your Case
We review the officer’s records, testing information and your account of what happened. We identify the grounds that apply to your case and prepare the evidence and arguments for your SafeRoads review.
We Handle the Submission and Next Steps
We submit your case to SafeRoads Alberta. When the written decision arrives, we explain the result and what you need to do next.
What to Have Ready When You Call
Have your IRS notice handy, including its issue date and contravention number. If your vehicle was seized, keep the seizure notice too. We’ll ask what happened and whether you have already requested a review.
Don’t put off calling because you’re missing a document. Start with a free consultation.
Common Questions About IRS Appeals
If you’ve received an Immediate Roadside Sanction, it’s normal to have questions about whether an appeal is worth pursuing and what to expect. Here are some of the most common ones we hear.
I failed the breath test (or blew over). Is there any point in appealing?
Yes. A failed breath test does not automatically rule out a successful IRS appeal. In fact, the vast majority of drivers we’ve represented blew over the limit once or twice during the investigation. We examine the officer’s records, testing procedures and the legal grounds for your sanction. If a ground for cancellation is established, SafeRoads can cancel the IRS. Call for a free consultation to discuss your case.
What happens if I don't appeal within 7 days?
If no review is requested within 7 days of the date the Notice of Administrative Penalty was issued, the sanction remains in effect as issued and the associated consequences, including the licence suspension, vehicle seizure, fines, and any mandatory programs, must be completed before reinstatement.
In some circumstances, a late IRS review may still be possible. Eligibility depends on specific factors, which we can explain during a free consultation.
You can also learn more on our Late IRS Review page.
Do I have to appear in person for the review?
No. SafeRoads reviews are conducted in writing or by videoconference, not in person. We usually recommend a written review and prepare the submission on your behalf. If an oral review is appropriate, we explain what participation involves.
What if I also received a criminal charge?
An IRS and a criminal charge are separate processes handled through different systems. The IRS review is an administrative matter decided by SafeRoads Alberta, while a criminal charge proceeds through the courts.
We focus exclusively on the IRS appeal. If you’ve also received a criminal charge, we can refer you to an experienced impaired driving lawyer in your area to handle that side of things.
Can I drive while my appeal is being reviewed?
Requesting a review does not itself lift your suspension. You cannot drive while your licence remains suspended. A shorter suspension may end before the review is decided, but you must confirm your licence status and complete any required reinstatement steps before driving.
Is there any risk or downside to filing an appeal?
An unsuccessful review leaves the original sanction in place. The costs to consider are the review fee and any representation fees. We explain our fees during your free consultation so you can decide whether to proceed.
You Have Options. Let Us Help You Explore Them
We’ve represented over 1,200 Alberta drivers through the IRS review process. A free consultation is the best place to start. We’ll review your situation and help you decide on a path forward with no pressure and no obligation.