Despite ongoing messaging and awareness campaigns, impaired driving continues to be a problem and one of the leading causes of criminal death in Canada. Impaired Driving is completely preventable and an unacceptable choice particularly when so many safer alternatives exist. Putting an end to the senseless tragedies resulting from impaired driving is a collective responsibility and the Edmonton Police Service remains committed to impaired enforcement alongside fellow law enforcement partners in and around the City of Edmonton.

When you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately to Curb the Danger. If you are calling 9-1-1 to report an impaired driver, you are exempt from the Distracted Driving Legislation during the call.

You can now also report habitual impaired drivers anonymously to Crime Stoppers. If you know someone who regularly drives impaired, contact Crime Stoppers. Please provide as much information as possible including where the person lives, works, a vehicle description, licence plate number and specific times of the day the person typically drives impaired. The more information you can provide will assist our members greatly.

Impaired Driving Charges:

Following a change to provincial legislation in late 2020, police can now lay an administrative provincial penalty by way of an Immediate Roadside Sanction to deal with impaired drivers in Alberta.  These sanctions carry significant and escalating penalties which include fines, licence suspensions, vehicle seizures and reinstatement conditions.  Depending on the severity of the offence, police may also lay criminal impaired driving related charges.

Impaired Driving Unit

The Impaired Driving Unit is comprised of specially trained officers who dedicate themselves to the enforcement and investigation of impaired drivers.  Members of the Impaired Driving Unit are responsible for maintaining breath and drug testing equipment and for instructing all impaired related courses within the Edmonton Police Service.

Additional responsibilities of the Impaired Driving Unit:

• Provide expertise for serious impaired related investigations including fatal collisions.
• Plan, implement and participate in Checkstop events which often include members from surrounding agencies including the RCMP and Alberta Highway Sheriff Patrol.
• Liaise with community partners including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), schools and media outlets to promote, educate, and provide awareness and messaging surrounding impaired driving and road safety.
• Conduct all impaired related training from the recruit level to specialized courses including for Drug Recognition Experts, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Qualified Breath Technicians.
• Process impaired related toxicological exhibits (blood / urine) and communicate with laboratories to support investigations and recommendations for additional impaired charges.