News release

Trying to “save on gas” is not an excuse for speeding in your van: Bonus tickets for 7 of 9 people not wearing seatbelts

August 22, 2025 - Merritt, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

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A speeding driver and his passengers received an education on fuel economy, along with nearly $1,000 in tickets, after getting caught with 9 occupants in an 8-seat van near Merritt, BC.

On August 16, 2025, just after 7:00 p.m., BC Highway Patrol stopped a grey minivan on Highway 97C near Hamilton Hill Road after the van was recorded doing 136 km/h in a 100 zone.

The driver said he was speeding because he was nearly out of gas.

“We explained to the driver that speeding dramatically worsens your fuel economy,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “And sure enough, the van ran out of gas at roadside. Meanwhile, the driver could not explain why only 2 out of 9 people were wearing seatbelts, or why a 3-year-old’s car seat had no functioning buckles.”

The driver, a 36-year-old Edmonton man, was issued $472 in tickets for the following:

• Speeding (21 to 40 km/h), section 146(3) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) with a fine of $196;
• Permit passenger without seatbelt, section 220(6) of the BC MVA ($167);
• Child improperly restrained, section 36.03(2) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR) with a fine of $109;
• Three passengers were issued tickets for ‘fail to wear seatbelt’, section 220(4) of the BC MVA, for additional fines totalling $501.

The driver also paid for a taxi to bring fuel to the van and take away the extra occupant.

“There are many reasons to slow down. You will very likely avoid police attention, and you will be much safer,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “If you get into a collision at high speed, every person who is not wearing a seatbelt will die. You do not want that on your conscience.”

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