The 7-day clock
The single most important fact about an IRS is the 7-day appeal window. The review request must be filed, and the review fee paid, within 7 calendar days of service of the Notice of Administrative Penalty. Missing that window closes the appeal route entirely.
The IRS categories
IRS:24
A 24-hour licence suspension issued where an officer reasonably suspects a driver's ability is affected by alcohol, a drug, or another impairing substance. This is the shortest IRS category but it still appears as a sanction and can carry registry consequences.
IRS:WARN
Issued for breath samples in the warn range (50–79 mg%). Carries an immediate suspension, vehicle seizure, a financial penalty, and escalating consequences for repeat sanctions.
IRS:FAIL
Issued for breath samples at or above 80 mg%, or for a confirmed drug-impaired evaluation, where the matter is handled administratively rather than as a Criminal Code charge. Carries the longest suspension, vehicle seizure, financial penalty, and program participation requirements before reinstatement.
IRS:ZERO
Applies to drivers with zero-tolerance requirements — including GDL (graduated licence) drivers and commercial drivers. Triggered by any detectable alcohol or drug presence while operating.
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Have the ticket in front of you?
Send us a photo and the basics through our Free Ticket Review form — we will walk you through what the charge actually is and what your real options are.
What a SafeRoads review looks like
A SafeRoads review is a paper-based administrative process unless an oral hearing is granted. It is conducted under the SafeRoads Alberta Regulation, on the grounds set out there. The adjudicator examines the officer's report, any documentary evidence filed by the driver, and the written submissions from both sides.
A successful review cancels the sanction. An unsuccessful review confirms it — and there are further review and judicial review routes in defined circumstances.
How Alberta Ticket Fighter helps
We review the Notice, identify the available grounds based on what the officer documented, gather the supporting evidence, and file the review submissions on the SafeRoads portal. Where an oral hearing is appropriate, we make that request.
What working with us looks like
From IRS notice to review
- 01.
Send us the Notice immediately
The 7-day clock is the priority. We will read the Notice and the officer’s report the day we receive it.
- 02.
Identify grounds
We work through the available regulatory grounds and the evidence that supports them.
- 03.
Gather evidence
We help you assemble witness statements, footage, receipts, and any documentary evidence that supports the review.
- 04.
File and submit
We file the review on the SafeRoads portal, pay the fee, and submit written argument within the deadline.
IRS appeal questions, answered
What is an Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) in Alberta?
An Immediate Roadside Sanction is an administrative penalty issued under Alberta’s SafeRoads program for alleged impaired or distracted driving. Common categories include IRS:24 (24-hour suspension), IRS:WARN (warn-range alcohol), IRS:FAIL (over the legal limit), and IRS:ZERO (alcohol present for novice or commercial drivers). IRS notices are administrative, not criminal, but the licence, vehicle, and financial consequences are immediate.
How long do I have to appeal an IRS in Alberta?
The deadline to request a SafeRoads review is 7 calendar days from the date the Notice of Administrative Penalty was served. Missing this deadline ends the appeal route. The review fee must also be paid at the time of filing.
What can I argue on a SafeRoads review?
The available grounds for review are set out in the SafeRoads rules. They include challenges to whether the contravention actually occurred — for example, whether the demand was lawful, whether the device was operated properly, whether the time and procedural requirements were met, and other defined grounds. The review is a paper-based process unless an oral hearing is granted.
Can I still drive while my appeal is pending?
No. The suspension and vehicle seizure under an IRS are immediate and continue while the review is pending. A successful review can cancel the sanction; an unsuccessful review confirms it.
What is the difference between an IRS and an impaired driving charge?
For most impaired driving allegations in Alberta, the response is an IRS administrative penalty rather than a Criminal Code charge. The two routes are different — IRS reviews go through SafeRoads on a 7-day timeline; criminal matters proceed through the courts. The right professional for each is different.
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Related resources
The information on this page is general guidance about Alberta traffic ticket matters. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor–client or representative–client relationship. Outcomes depend on the facts of each matter. For advice on your specific situation, request a ticket review.