Portage la Prairie RCMP pull over impaired motorist driving 180 km/h on the Trans-Canada Highway

July 7, 2026 - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

Content

A novice driver was arrested early Tuesday morning outside Portage la Prairie after his vehicle was clocked travelling 180 km/h, well above the 110 km/h speed limit.

Oh, and he failed blood alcohol tests, too.

“A series of exceptionally reckless decisions were made in this instance that could have easily resulted in tragedy for the driver, his passengers and others on the road,” said Portage la Prairie RCMP Cpl. Ron Poetker. “We remind all motorists – including novice drivers – to drive sober, drive to the posted speed limit and consider the potential consequences of your actions if you choose to ignore this reminder.”

The incident happened about 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, with Portage la Prairie RCMP pulling the eastbound vehicle over in the RM of Portage la Prairie. Open beer cans were found throughout the vehicle.

The driver – who was travelling with two passengers – was arrested and subsequently registered 0.16 per cent on two blood alcohol tests, double the legal limit for experienced drivers. As a reminder, novice drivers are not legally allowed to have any alcohol in their bloodstream when driving.

A 24-year-old Winnipeg male faces charges of:

• Impaired operation of a motor vehicle; and
• Registering a blood alcohol sample over .08.

Additionally, he received four tickets that amount to $1,316 in fines, including:

• Speeding ($966).
• Open liquor inside a vehicle ($237); and
• Operating a vehicle with alcohol in the blood while a novice driver ($113).

RCMP also issued a serious offence notice that could result in his driver’s licence being suspended, cancelled or disqualified. His vehicle was towed and is impounded for 30 days.

The male was released on an appearance notice, with his first court date set for later this month.