IRS WARN & 24-Hour Suspensions
IRS WARN & 24-Hour Suspension Lawyers in Edmonton
A WARN or 24-hour sanction may seem minor, but it goes on your driving record, can raise your insurance, and makes the next penalty harsher. We review your paperwork quickly and tell you whether it's worth disputing.
Our IRS WARN lawyers in Edmonton represent drivers at SafeRoads Alberta reviews for IRS: WARN, IRS: 24-hour, IRS: Novice and IRS: Commercial sanctions across the Edmonton region.
Sanctions we dispute
- IRS: WARN (50–79 mg%)
- IRS: 24-hour
- IRS: Novice (zero tolerance)
- IRS: Commercial (zero tolerance)
- Written & oral SafeRoads reviews
- Late review requests
Time-sensitive: A Notice of Administrative Penalty must be disputed through SafeRoads Alberta within 7 days of being issued. Contact us right away.
What is an IRS: WARN?
An IRS: WARN is issued when police believe a driver's blood alcohol concentration is between 50 and 79 mg per 100 ml of blood — under the criminal limit, but over Alberta's administrative limit. Penalties apply immediately and increase for each subsequent WARN:
- First: 3-day licence suspension, 3-day vehicle seizure and a $300 fine.
- Second: 15-day suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, a mandatory course and a $600 fine.
- Third or subsequent: 30-day suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, the IMPACT program and a $1,200 fine.
A victim fine surcharge also applies to fines.
24-hour suspensions
An IRS: 24-hour suspension can be issued when an officer believes your ability to drive is affected by alcohol, drugs or a physical or medical condition. It's short, but it's still recorded — and it can be the start of a larger investigation.
Novice and commercial drivers — zero tolerance
Drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program, and commercial drivers operating a commercial vehicle, can receive a sanction for any alcohol or drugs in their system. For commercial drivers, a sanction can put your job at risk. Getting advice early matters.
How we challenge a WARN
- Whether the stop and screening demand were lawful
- Whether you were told about your right to a second test on a different approved screening device (roadside appeal)
- Whether the device was properly calibrated and operated
- Whether the officer's reports and disclosure support the sanction
Received a FAIL rather than a WARN? See IRS FAIL & SafeRoads reviews.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
What is the difference between an IRS WARN and an IRS FAIL?
A WARN is for a blood alcohol concentration of 50–79 mg per 100 ml of blood. A FAIL is for 80 mg or more, drug or alcohol impairment, or refusing a demand. FAIL penalties are far more severe.
How long do I have to dispute an IRS WARN?
You must request a SafeRoads Alberta review within 7 days of the Notice of Administrative Penalty being issued, and pay the review fee.
Does an IRS WARN give me a criminal record?
No. A WARN is an administrative penalty, not a criminal charge. It does go on your driving record and counts toward harsher penalties for later sanctions.
Will an IRS WARN affect my insurance?
It can. Insurers may review your driving record when setting premiums. Having the sanction cancelled on review is the best way to avoid that.
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