The moment you hear the words “I’m issuing you an Immediate Roadside Prohibition,” your life can take an unexpected and sharp turn. For drivers in British Columbia, a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) is much more than just a ticket. It’s a detour that impacts every aspect of daily life. Beyond the immediate inconvenience of losing your licence and vehicle, the financial and emotional toll can linger long after the prohibition ends. However, there is help available, and time is of the essence.
Here’s how the consequences stack up.
The Immediate Impact: Losing the Key to Your Freedom
When the police hand you a 90-day IRP, the most immediate consequence is losing your ability to drive. Your licence is revoked on the spot, and your car is no longer your ticket to work, errands, or picking up the kids. Suddenly, parking lots feel like distant destinations instead of familiar stops.
A Truck Full of Trouble: Financial and Emotional Costs
If you rely on your vehicle—be it a car or truck—for employment, your livelihood is at risk. Many jobs depend on the ability to commute or transport goods, and a driving prohibition turns reliable mobility into a roadblock.
Adding insult to injury, your vehicle is impounded for 30 days. Towing and storage fees, along with a $500 fine and a $250 licence reinstatement fee, pile up quickly. Programs like the Responsible Driver’s Program (RDP) and the potential requirement of an Ignition Interlock Device only add to the financial toll, pushing costs beyond $4,500.
Psychological Speed Bumps
The inability to turn the key and hit the road can feel paralyzing. Family outings, grocery runs, and visits to friends all require extensive planning or help from others. The stress often takes a toll on mental health, adding anxiety to an already burdensome situation.
Legal and Long-Term Repercussions: A Mark That Doesn’t Go Away
While an IRP isn’t a criminal charge, it feels like one. The prohibition is categorized as a DUI and sticks to your driving record, creating long-term consequences. Insurance rates skyrocket, with ICBC imposing a Driver Risk Premium of at least $370 annually for three years.
New drivers face even tougher penalties. If you’re on an “N” licence, the IRP resets your two-year probationary period, putting your full licence further out of reach.
Turning the Corner
The consequences of a 90-day IRP are far-reaching. From the loss of freedom on the road to the financial and emotional burdens, every aspect of life feels the impact. To avoid this situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights, explore legal options, and consider whether the decision to contest the IRP might be a necessary step to protect your mobility and livelihood.
Tight Timelines: The Clock Is Ticking
Challenging a 90-day IRP isn’t just about presenting a strong case-it’s about acting fast. The timelines to file and prepare are strict, and missing any of them can result in the loss of your right to challenge the prohibition:
1. Application Deadline: You have 7 calendar days (not business days) from the date you are served the IRP Notice of Prohibition to file an Application for Review.
2. Review Scheduling: Your review will be scheduled within 14 days of the date of service. Any delays in scheduling could extend the prohibition or the final decision.
3. Submission Deadline: Any written submissions you want considered must be provided pursuant to strict rules prior to the review date.
4. Decision Timeline: The adjudicator has 21 days from the date of the IRP to issue a written decision. While extensions may be granted, these are rare.
5. Oral Hearings: For 30-day and 90-day prohibitions, oral hearings are preferable but limited to 30 minutes and conducted by telephone.
Time is not on your side, which is why acting quickly is critical to preserving your driving privileges.
How Acumen Law Can Help
This is where Acumen Law Corporation steps in. Our team of experienced lawyers understands the challenges an IRP presents and can guide you through the process to fight for the best possible outcome. Kyla Lee, one of Canada’s leading lawyers in impaired driving defence, has an unmatched track record of success in IRP reviews.
At Acumen Law, we take a strategic approach to IRP challenges by:
– Reviewing the evidence against you to identify weaknesses or procedural errors.
– Preparing compelling written submissions to the Superintendent.
– Representing you in oral hearings with precision and expertise.
– Advising you on additional steps, if necessary.
With decades of combined experience and a relentless commitment to our clients, we’ve helped thousands of people successfully fight IRPs, restoring their ability to drive and protecting their livelihoods.
Fighting Back: Your Rights and Options
Many people don’t realize that IRPs are administrative penalties, not criminal charges. This means they can be reviewed and overturned if errors are found in the evidence or process. Police officers are required to follow strict guidelines when issuing IRPs, and even minor procedural errors can invalidate the prohibition.
With Acumen Law in your corner, we’ll explore every avenue to challenge the IRP and minimize its impact on your life.
Don’t Wait-Act Now
If you’ve been served with a 90-day IRP, the most important thing you can do is act immediately. The deadlines are tight, and every day counts. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to schedule a consultation. Our team will get on your case like squirrels on a bird feeder, ensuring that your rights are protected, your case is reviewed thoroughly, and your voice is heard.
Don’t let a 90-day IRP take control of your life. Call Acumen Law now to start fighting back.
