News release
Richmond RCMP launches winter impaired driving enforcement campaign
December 2, 2025
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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Richmond RCMP is reminding motorists that impaired driving will not be tolerated. Throughout December, our officers will be out in full force as part of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) Winter Impaired Driving Campaign, which runs from December 1 to 31, 2025.
This provincial initiative, supported by ICBC, focuses on reducing crashes caused by alcohol and drug impairment during the holiday season.
Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit will conduct targeted enforcement throughout December, including roving patrols and strategically placed roadside checkpoints on high-risk corridors. Officers will use Mandatory Alcohol Screening, which allows police to demand a breath sample from any driver lawfully stopped. Drivers should be aware that they could be checked anytime, anywhere. These operations aim to identify and remove impaired drivers, deter dangerous behaviour, and keep our roads safe for everyone.
Richmond RCMP will also take part in Light Up the Province, a coordinated BC-wide effort led by BC Highway Patrol. Details of the provincial campaign will be coming in the next few days from BC Highway Patrol.
“We consistently see an increase in impaired driving incidents this time of year,” said Staff Sergeant Paula Maan, Richmond RCMP. “Every crash, every death caused by impairment is one hundred percent preventable. If you choose to drive impaired, you’re not just risking your own life, you are risking everyone’s. Police are out there, and you will be stopped.”
Statistics
- Impaired driving remains a major factor in road deaths, accounting for 21 percent of police-reported fatal crashes in BC, according to police data from ICBC. In the Lower Mainland alone, an average of 17 people are killed and 510 injured annually in impaired-related crashes.More than half of impaired-related crashes happen on weekends, and 36 percent occur between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Roadside checkpoint video
Richmond RCMP has produced a short video showing what to expect at a roadside checkpoint.
Transcription
Video description: A video showing what happens at a Counter Attack roadblock when enforcing sober driving.
[We zoom in on a sign which reads: “Counterattack Road Check Ahead” “have your driver’s license ready”.]
[An Officer at the roadblock speaks to the camera.]
Corporal Hermes: “We do these roadblocks to get impaired drivers off the road. It helps prevent collisions, serious injuries and fatalities.”
[A car drives forward to the roadblock. The officer stops the car.]
Corporal Hermes: “Hi, Good evening! This is a counterattack roadblock sir. Have you had any alcohol tonight?”
[In the next shot, the driver blows into a breathalyzer.]
Corporal Hermes: “Okay, and… Blow. Go, go, go. Keep going, keep going… Very good! Thank you!”
[The officer speaks to the camera at the roadblock.]
Corporal Hermes: “Thank you for driving sober or finding a safe way home!”
[RCMP/GRC copyright notice appears]
[Government of Canada wordmark with a waving Canadian flag appears.]
Plan ahead this holiday season
Drivers are urged to plan ahead by arranging a safe ride home, using a designated driver, taxi, rideshare, or public transit.
If you are hosting a holiday party, be a responsible host. Make sure your guests have safe options to get home, such as designated drivers, taxis, or rideshare services, and discuss those options in advance. For large events, ICBC offers a Special Event Kit, which includes materials to encourage safe transportation options.
Anyone who suspects an impaired driver should call 9-1-1.
Penalties
Impaired driving is a criminal offence. Penalties range from immediate roadside prohibitions, vehicle impoundments, driving suspensions and prohibitions, fines, mandatory rehabilitation, and jail time. For more information about the laws that regulate impaired driving and roadside screening, visit the B.C. government website: Driving while affected by drugs or alcohol - Province of British Columbia
