N.S. police, government, MADD Canada launch holiday checkstop blitz

Drivers planning to hit the road this holiday season are being warned police will be on the lookout for those driving impaired as “Operation Christmas” begins in Nova Scotia.

READ MORE: Five impaired drivers nabbed on first night of Operation Christmas

Police and government hold the campaign each year to encourage motorists to practice safe winter driving and set up checkpoints throughout the province to target impaired drivers.

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Halifax Regional Police and Halifax District RCMP are hosting the campaign and will be setting up the checkpoints throughout Cole Harbour to show the campaign has started. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada is also participating in the campaign.

More checkpoints will be set up across the province over the holiday season.

READ MORE: ‘Drunk suit’ helps Halifax police show dangers of impaired driving

Anyone with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 cannot drive legally under the Criminal Code. Penalties can also be laid, including a seven-day licence suspension, for drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 to 0.08.