The Summer Impaired Driving Campaign kicks off with new dates for 2026

June 15, 2026 - British Columbia, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

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June and July are the most dangerous times of the year for impaired driving collisions in BC, and this year’s Summer Impaired Driving Campaign is moving its timeline to reflect reality and save lives on our roads.

For the first time ever in BC, the summer impaired driving campaign will shift to June 15, 2026, and continue until July 31, 2026, instead of the previous timeline of June 15 to August 31.

“It makes sense to align the Summer Impaired Driving Campaign with the time of year where people are choosing the riskiest behaviours,” says Inspector Adam Tallboy with BC Highway Patrol. “This isn’t just about awareness. We’re trying to get drivers to change their behaviours and save their own lives and the lives of the people around them.”

In order to stay safe and avoid impaired driving, consider the following:

• Plan a safe ride home by using a reliable designated driver, ride share, taxi or transit,
• Never start too early. Only consume alcohol and drugs within walking distance of your party,
• Plan for plenty of rest and recovery before you drive. Avoid planning late-night or early morning driving. 

“Drivers can expect increased impaired driving enforcement from both marked and unmarked police vehicles, and they may be subject to Mandatory Alcohol Screening,” says Inspector Tallboy. “People who choose to be impaired by alcohol or drugs will face serious consequences.”

Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) is a federal law that’s been in effect since 2018 and means that a police officer can demand a breath sample from any driver, any time, without forming suspicion that the driver may have consumed alcohol. 

Police will be keeping an extra eye on long weekends and special events where people are likely to be consuming alcohol and drugs. Motorists can expect extra check stops and individual traffic stops and should act accordingly.

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