Late Reviews of Immediate Roadside Suspensions in Alberta: What You Need to Know

In Alberta, an Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) can take effect instantly following a traffic stop. Your licence can be suspended, your vehicle can be seized, and significant financial penalties can follow, often before you fully understand what has happened. What many drivers do not realize is that strict deadlines apply if you want to challenge that suspension, and missing them can have lasting consequences.

At TDL Tickets – Paralegal Services, this is our niche. We regularly assist drivers who contact us after a deadline has passed or who are unsure whether a late review is still possible.

Why timing matters

Under Alberta’s administrative driving laws, you have 7 days from the date of the suspension to apply for a review. If that deadline is missed, your options become more limited and more complex. A late review may still be possible in certain circumstances, but it is not automatic and requires careful legal analysis.

Late reviews often involve questions such as:

• Whether you were properly informed of your right to a review

• Whether there were issues with service, notice, or documentation

• Whether procedural fairness was compromised

• Whether exceptional circumstances justify allowing a late application

These are not issues most drivers can realistically assess on their own.

What information you should gather immediately

If you or someone you know is dealing with an Immediate Roadside Suspension, especially if time has already passed, gather the following as soon as possible:

• The date and location of the traffic stop

• Any paperwork provided by the officer (Notice of Administrative Penalty, suspension notice, receipts)

• Details about the screening demand and testing (including number of attempts and results)

• Whether and when you were told about your right to a review

• Any communication received since the suspension

Having this information ready allows for a faster and more accurate assessment of your options.

Why early guidance makes a difference

Late reviews are highly technical and procedural in nature. Small details can determine whether a review is accepted or refused.

Speaking with someone who focuses specifically on Alberta roadside suspensions can help you understand:

• Whether a late review is viable in your situation

• What risks you face if no review is pursued

• How to minimize long-term consequences related to insurance, costs, and driving privileges

This is not about delaying the inevitable. It is about ensuring the process was fair and that your rights were respected.

When to reach out

If you are unsure whether you missed a deadline, or if you were told it is “too late,” do not assume that is the end of the road. The sooner you speak with a professional who works exclusively in this area, the clearer your options will be.

TDL Tickets focuses on Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) and related driving matters across Alberta. We offer practical, informed legal information so you can make decisions based on facts, not guesswork.

If you are facing an Immediate Roadside Suspension or are concerned about a late review, contact us promptly to discuss your situation and next steps.