What is the difference between an Immediate Roadside Sanction and a criminal impaired-driving charge?

An Immediate Roadside Sanction, commonly called an IRS, is an administrative penalty issued under Alberta’s provincial impaired-driving system. It is not a criminal charge and is reviewed through SafeRoads Alberta rather than decided in criminal court.

Since the introduction of the IRS program, most first-time impaired-driving investigations in Alberta are dealt with administratively. Criminal Code charges are less common but may still be laid, particularly in serious cases involving bodily harm or death, repeat offenders or other aggravating circumstances. In some cases, a person may receive both an IRS and criminal charges.