Rossland/Trail motorists get tough love on Valentine's Day after being stopped by police patrols
By Trail Champion
Two local men weren’t feeling the love this Valentine’s Day after being caught allegedly committing moving violations, one in Rossland and one in Trail, according to Trail top cop RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, a short time after 12 a.m., a front line Trail and Greater District RCMP officer was conducting routine patrols when he observed a grey GMC SUV driving along on Columbia Avenue in Rossland,” Wicwentowich said. “The police officer was following the vehicle when it suddenly pulled over into a parking stall and a man suddenly exited the driver’s seat.
“When confronted by the officer, the man allegedly admitted that he had been drinking alcohol and was only in possession of a Class 7, Learners BC Driver’s Licence,” he added. “The RCMP officer entered into an impaired driving investigation roadside. The driver allegedly failed to pass a roadside alcohol screening test, administered by the officer using an approved screening device.
“As such, the 22-year-old Rossland man was issued a three-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) under section 215.43 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act.”
He said the Trail RCMP remind the public that a Class 7L BC Driver’s Licence has the following restrictions:
- Must have a qualified supervisor in the front passenger seat with a valid driver’s licence (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5);
- Must display the red ‘L’ sign on the back of the vehicle;
- Zero alcohol or drugs in your blood when you drive;
- Limited to only one passenger, in addition to the supervisor;
- No hand-held or hands-free cellphones or other electronic devices;
- Restricted from driving between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m.;
Click here to visit the ICBC website for more information.
Later that day, in Trail, another routine patrol stopped a motorist with vehicle defects.
“… At 5:40 p.m., a front line Trail and Greater District RCMP officer was conducting routine patrols when he observed a white Ford F150 pickup truck driving along Highway 3B near Highway Drive in Trail. The RCMP officer noted some visible vehicle defects and conducted a traffic stop with the pickup truck roadside.
“The law enforcement officer discovered that the driver was allegedly prohibited from driving within the Province of BC. The man was arrested by the officer and later released at the scene.
“The driver, a 50-year-old Trail man, now faces one count of driving while suspended under the BC Motor Vehicle Act. He is expected to make his first appearance in Rossland Provincial Court on April 29, 2021.”
