Clarenville RCMP responds to erratic driving complaint, arrests impaired driver

May 14, 2026 - Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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A 58-year-old woman was arrested and charged with refusing to provide a breath sample after Clarenville RCMP responded to a report of a possible impaired driver Wednesday night.

Shortly before 7:00 p.m. on May 13, police in Clarenville received a call from a concerned resident about a possible impaired operator driving erratically along the Trans Canada Highway near Arnold’s Cove. Officers began patrols for the described vehicle and alerted nearby detachments.

Two other motorists were able to signal the driver to pull over, and police quickly located the described vehicle stopped on the side of the road near Goobies. Officers determined that the driver, a 58-year-old woman, was showing clear signs of impairment. She was provided with a demand for a breath sample, which she repeatedly failed to provide.

She was arrested and charged with refusal or failure to comply with a demand. Refusing or failing to comply with a demand issued as part of an impaired operation investigation is a criminal offence. If convicted, this offence carries the same penalties as a charge of impaired operation.

During a search of the car, police also located open containers of alcohol.

The woman is expected to appear in provincial court in at a later date to face Criminal Code charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle and failure or refusal to comply with a demand.

Her vehicle was seized and impounded, and her driver’s licence was suspended.

May 12 -18 is Canada Road Safety Week, targeting the behaviours that put drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk on our roads. Across Newfoundland and Labrador, RCMP officers will be looking for impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers, enforcing speed limits and seat belt use, and ensuring all vehicles and drivers operate safely and with the appropriate documentation.

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