Most of BC’s DUIs are handled entirely at the roadside through a process called Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRP). Here are the top five things you need to know:
1. You Have Only Seven Days to Dispute
The clock starts ticking the moment you receive an IRP. You have seven calendar days, including weekends and holidays, to file your dispute. This deadline is unmovable—even the best lawyer can’t help you if you miss it. Don’t delay.
2. Blowing ‘Fail’ Doesn’t Mean You’ll Lose
There are many defences available, even if you blew over the limit. An experienced IRP lawyer knows exactly what evidence to present to win your case. Success is possible with the right strategy and knowledge of the law.
3. Winning the IRP Review Is the Fastest Way to Get Your Vehicle Back
If your car has been impounded, the quickest path to vehicle release is a successful IRP review. Impound release through other means is rare and unlikely without overturning the prohibition.
4. Refusal IRPs Are Often Defensible
Many people issued refusal IRPs are innocent due to constitutional violations during the roadside process. Charter rights violations are common in these cases, and technical defences can often result in a successful challenge.
5. Winning Removes Fines and Clears Your Record
If you succeed in disputing your IRP, the government releases your vehicle, reimburses your towing and storage fees, removes the incident from your driving record, and you won’t pay the fines or be required to take any courses.
If you’ve been issued an IRP in BC, your first call should be to IRP lawyer Kyla Lee. She knows the law inside and out and has helped countless people win their cases. Don’t let a roadside prohibition ruin your record—get the right legal help today.