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Impaired Drivers

Salmon Arm RCMP take five impaired drivers on the road in one night

Jun 14, 2026 | 4:34 PM

SALMON ARM B.C. — Salmon Arm RCMP took five impaired drivers off the road in just over two hours on Saturday night (June 13).

All five were issued immediate roadside prohibitions (IRP) between 9:36 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.

“Four of the IRP’s were a result of proactive police stops to check for driver sobriety,” said Salmon Arm RCMP.

“The fifth IRP was the result of a complainant reporting an intoxicated person in a parking lot.”

Three of the drivers blew a “fail,” which resulted in a 30-day vehicle impound at the owner’s expense, 90-day driving prohibition, fines, potential installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, and a requirement to take the Responsible Driver Program.

One driver blew a “warn” which carries penalties that can vary depending on the driver’s history. This can include a vehicle impounding, three-day driving prohibition and fines for the first of offence, seven days for the second, or 30 days and a requirement to take the Responsible Driver Program for a third.

The fifth driver refused to provide a breath sample, which police said carries the same penalty as a “fail.”

“Salmon Arm RCMP continue to target impaired drivers at all hours of the day to keep their community safe. The Immediate Roadside Prohibition program is one of the tools used by police to remove impaired drivers off British Columbia’s roadways and keep our roads and communities safe,” said Salmon Arm spokesperson Cst. Andrew Hodges

“If you are planning on drinking, please do not drive. By finding an alternative way home such as transit, cabs, or a designated driver you can help ensure that you, and people sharing the road with you, get to their destination safely.”