impaired driving Archives - Kyla Lee: Vancouver DUI Lawyer

Counterattack Season is Here: What You Need to Know About Roadblocks and Breath Tests

December 13, 2024

Police roadblock at night with cars stopped, officers in discussion, and bright lights reflecting off wet pavement.

As the holiday season approaches, so does the time of year known locally as Counterattack Season. This is when police across British Columbia ramp up their efforts to curb impaired driving through roadblocks and mandatory breath tests. While the aim is to make our roads safer, drivers should be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities when encountering a roadblock.

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Counterattack Season is Here: What You Need to Know About Roadblocks and Breath TestsRead More »

Counterattack Season is Here: What You Need to Know About Roadblocks and Breath Tests Read More »

Driving while under the influence of marijuana… is it the same as impaired driving?

October 21, 2022

When it comes to driving with alcohol in your system, in British Columbia as well as with the rest of Canada, there are certain limits you must stay below in order for it to be legal for you to operate a motor vehicle.

When a person drinks alcohol, with every drink they have, they become more inebriated and as a result, their motor skills degrade. By this we mean, they have less control over their movements, over their words and overall, how they act. When someone is in an impaired state, not only is it dangerous to get behind the wheel of a car, but it is also illegal.

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Driving while under the influence of marijuana… is it the same as impaired driving?Read More »

Driving while under the influence of marijuana… is it the same as impaired driving? Read More »

An Open Letter to Those Who Say “If You Don’t Want a DUI, Don’t Drink and Drive.”

January 4, 2021

I know you do not support impaired driving. I know you do not believe that people who are charged with or under investigation for impaired driving offences deserve all the legal support and protection that any other person accused or investigated for any other offence is constitutionally entitled to.

But you’re wrong. And I’d like to ask you to listen, because I want to change your mind.

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An Open Letter to Those Who Say “If You Don’t Want a DUI, Don’t Drink and Drive.”Read More »

An Open Letter to Those Who Say “If You Don’t Want a DUI, Don’t Drink and Drive.” Read More »

Decrease in cannabis use and driving

December 31, 2020

Health Canada released the results of its annual Canadian Cannabis Survey (CSS). The survey, which is now in its third year, indicates a decrease in the prevalence of cannabis use prior to driving.

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Decrease in cannabis use and drivingRead More »

Decrease in cannabis use and driving Read More »

Alberta’s New Drunk Driving Law Will Ruin More Lives Than It Saves

June 22, 2020

Alberta’s New Drunk Driving Law Will Ruin Lives

There has been a great deal of discussion about Alberta’s new proposed impaired driving law, and how it will save lives. The government points to the so-called success of the BC Immediate Roadside Prohibition scheme as a basis to conclude that imposing these measures to decriminalize drunk driving will lead to fewer impaired-driving deaths.

But the reality is that while it is arguable (though not proven) that more lives will be saved, the outcome will be that more lives will be ruined.

To find out how this law will ruin more lives than it saves, read on.

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Alberta’s New Drunk Driving Law Will Ruin More Lives Than It SavesRead More »

Alberta’s New Drunk Driving Law Will Ruin More Lives Than It Saves Read More »

Did you miss a time period to dispute your IRP? We may be able to help.

March 27, 2020

If you received a 90-day driving prohibition in British Columbia for falling or refusing a roadside breathalyzer test, you only had seven days to dispute it. After the seven-day limitation period is up, there is nothing you can do.

Similarly, if you had a hearing scheduled but did not get your submissions in by the hearing date and time, the RoadSafetyBC policies require that you are deemed to have waived your rights to have a hearing.

However, under a new order granted under the Emergency Program Act in British Columbia, you may be able to get a little relief on those otherwise hard-and-fast deadlines. As of March 26, 2020, if you missed a time limit to dispute your IRP or to submit your materials for an IRP hearing, you can request an extension. …

Did you miss a time period to dispute your IRP? We may be able to help.Read More »

Did you miss a time period to dispute your IRP? We may be able to help. Read More »

Are your Charter rights under threat at a traffic stop?

March 26, 2020

How long can police detain you at a traffic stop before it infringes upon your Charter rights? It’s a valid question.

A recent judicial review of a 90-day driving prohibition raised some constitutional issues. Unfortunately for British Columbians, they were left unanswered. …

Are your Charter rights under threat at a traffic stop?Read More »

Are your Charter rights under threat at a traffic stop? Read More »

Decriminalizing drunk driving: what Alberta can learn from BC

March 3, 2020

Alberta looking at decriminalizing drunk driving

The Alberta government is looking into decriminalizing drunk driving. If the province’s lawmakers want to see how such a thing would work all they need to do is look at their neighbours. …

Decriminalizing drunk driving: what Alberta can learn from BCRead More »

Decriminalizing drunk driving: what Alberta can learn from BC Read More »

Drug-impaired driving accidents expected to fall

February 6, 2020

Drug impaired driving accidents are predicted to fall

Remember when marijuana was decriminalized, and some people thought the world was going to end? Well, the prophets of doom are in for a surprise: drug-impaired driving accidents are projected to fall. …

Drug-impaired driving accidents expected to fallRead More »

Drug-impaired driving accidents expected to fall Read More »

The 12 Steps of a Drug Recognition Evaluation

October 16, 2019

Man taking part in Drug Recognition Evaluation physical coordination tests

Tomorrow (October 17) will be one year since recreational marijuana was legalized across Canada. There were fears at the time that decriminalization would lead to an influx of cannabis-impaired drivers on the roads. The problem, however, is that testing for cannabis impairment can be quite difficult. …

The 12 Steps of a Drug Recognition EvaluationRead More »

The 12 Steps of a Drug Recognition Evaluation Read More »