IRS FAIL & SafeRoads Reviews
IRS FAIL & SafeRoads Review Lawyers in Edmonton
An Immediate Roadside Sanction can take your licence and your vehicle immediately. You have only 7 days to dispute it through SafeRoads Alberta — we can help you decide quickly and prepare a strong review.
Our IRS FAIL lawyers in Edmonton prepare written and oral SafeRoads Alberta reviews for drivers who received an IRS: FAIL, WARN, 24-hour, Novice or Commercial sanction — focusing on police procedure, roadside appeal rights and the evidence behind the penalty.
Sanctions we review
- IRS: FAIL
- IRS: WARN
- IRS: 24-hour
- IRS: Novice
- IRS: Commercial
- Refusal to provide a sample
7-day deadline. A SafeRoads review must be requested within 7 days of the date the Notice of Administrative Penalty was issued, with a non-refundable $150 review fee. Call 780-229-4559.
What an IRS: FAIL means
An IRS: FAIL is issued when police believe a driver's blood alcohol concentration was 80 mg or more per 100 ml of blood, the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs, or the driver failed or refused to provide a sample. For a first occurrence, the penalties include:
- A 90-day licence suspension during which you cannot drive at all
- A further 12-month suspension during which you may drive only in the Ignition Interlock Program
- A 30-day vehicle seizure
- The Planning Ahead course
- A $1,000 fine plus a 20% victim fine surcharge
Penalties increase for a second or subsequent occurrence, and police have discretion to lay Criminal Code charges instead. DUI lawyers in Edmonton →
How a SafeRoads Alberta review works
- Request the review within 7 days and pay the $150 fee.
- Choose a written or oral review — oral reviews are held by video-conference, not in person.
- The review is held within 21 days of the date the notice was issued.
- An adjudicator decides whether to confirm or cancel the penalty, and issues a written decision.
Common grounds for cancelling an IRS
- Police did not advise the driver of the right to a roadside appeal on a second approved instrument
- The screening device or test procedure was not properly followed
- The paperwork is inconsistent or doesn't support the specific sanction
- The driver was not actually the operator or in care or control of the vehicle
We have had Notices of Administrative Penalty cancelled on review, including where drivers were not advised of their roadside appeal rights.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
How much does a SafeRoads review cost?
The government review fee is $150 and is non-refundable. Legal fees for preparing and presenting the review are separate — contact us for a quote. All legal fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements.
Can I drive while my review is pending?
Generally no. The IRS penalties take effect immediately, and requesting a review does not pause them. If the review is successful, the penalty is cancelled.
Is an IRS FAIL a criminal record?
No. An IRS is an administrative penalty under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act, not a criminal conviction. However, police have discretion to lay Criminal Code charges instead, especially for repeat occurrences.
Should I choose a written or oral review?
It depends on the issues in your case. We'll recommend the format that gives your arguments the best chance of success.
Charged, buying, or in a dispute?
Let's talk today.
Speak with a lawyer who will give you straight answers and a clear plan.
780-229-4559 Book a free consultation