Police reminding participants to celebrate Street Machine Weekend responsibility

Lethbridge Police are reminding participants in the annual Street Machine Weekend that all rules of the road apply, and motorists who engage in dangerous or illegal driving behaviours can expect enforcement action.

Street Machine Weekend runs July 10-12 starting with a controlled cruise along 3 Avenue South Friday evening and other events over the weekend at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre grounds and Galt Gardens. 

A significant increase in traffic volumes is anticipated throughout the city and additional LPS resources, along with officers from partner agencies, will be deployed to provide a visible police presence and conduct enforcement to ensure public safety.   

While most participants are respectful of other motorists and pedestrians during this long-standing community event, historically there have also been a number of incidents where large crowds have gathered on public and private property and drivers have engaged in illegal and high-risk driving behaviour. 

In past years, Mayor Magrath Drive, 3 Avenue South and other traffic corridors have been impacted by significant increases in speeding, stunting, racing, burnouts and other offences. In addition, open liquor consumption by both spectators and drivers has resulted in violation tickets, vehicles being towed, roadside sanctions and criminal charges. 

In 2025, police issued 286 violation tickets and 34 warnings. The majority of the infractions involved stunting, speeding and equipment violations. In addition, there were charges for impaired driving, assault, nine vehicles towed, one outstanding warrant executed, a license suspension, two Immediate Roadside Sanction Cautions and an IRS refusal issued. 

Police are asking all participants to celebrate Street Machine Weekend responsibly and help keep everyone on the road and spectators on the sidelines safe.