Learner driver gets her family’s brand-new SUV impounded while her family watches

July 20, 2026 - Merritt, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

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A Williams Lake woman, and five of her family members, are without dad’s vehicle for a week after an excessive speeding impound on the Coquihalla Highway. 

On July 11, 2026, on Highway #5 south of Merritt, a 2026 Honda Pilot was stopped when BC Highway Patrol clocked the vehicle doing 168 km/h in a 120 zone. The 20-year-old Learner driver had five passengers, which would normally be a violation of the single passenger allowed by law, but she said that all five passengers were family. An unlimited number of family passengers is an exception allowed by the BC Motor Vehicle Act. 

“This is a reminder to everyone that just because something is technically legal, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “Learner drivers do not have the demonstrated skills to safely drive a large number of passengers- which is something this driver exemplified when she chose to speed.”

The Williams Lake woman was issued:

• Excessive speed (between 41 and 60 over the limit), section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act for a fine of $368,
• The cost of a tow truck and a seven-day impound,
• At least three years of high-risk driver premiums that will bring the total costs close to $2,500.

The cost of the seven-day impound is usually the responsibility of the Registered Owner (RO) of the vehicle, but since the RO is the driver’s father, the family may negotiate another arrangement among themselves.

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