Birthday speeding celebration and a race to win the end of a merge lane lead to triple-impound
By Lone Sheep Publishing
A Porsche, a rented Volkswagen, and a Subaru have started the New Year in an impound lot thanks to three excessive speeding stops from a single BC Highway Patrol officer in one day on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Late in the morning on December 30, 2025, a Volkswagen and a Subaru were spotted going much faster than other traffic on Highway #99 near Porteau Cove. The Subaru driver said he sped up because the Volkswagen “was tailgating me.” The tourist driving the rental Volkswagen “wanted to get ahead” at the end of two merge lanes because he was on his way to the airport. The Volkswagen was recorded doing 154 km/h, and the Subaru 149 km/h, in an 80 zone.
“Merge lanes are not the time to get competitive,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “At best your dangerous driving will gain you a few seconds. At worst you’ll crash horribly or lose hours of your time getting your vehicle impounded by police. If you want to save time, leave earlier and drive the speed limit.”
Later that afternoon, a yellow Porsche was stopped in the same area doing 88 km/h over the limit. The driver asked police to be “considerate” because she was celebrating her birthday.
All three drivers received:
- Excessive speed (more than 60 km/h), section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act ($483);
- Seven-day vehicle impounds (including the cost of the tow truck);
- The BC drivers will face at least three years of high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance costs totalling about $2,500;
- The driver of the rental will likely face additional premiums or penalties from the rental company.
“It’s our job to keep the roads safe,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “If you drive inconsiderately, you will face the consequences no matter the occasion.”
Comments