A 20-year-old learner driver was issued a 90-day roadside prohibition and had her Ferrari impounded after West Vancouver police stopped the vehicle in Ambleside early Monday morning.
The traffic stop was part of ongoing late-night and early-morning patrols the West Vancouver Police Department said it has been running in response to resident complaints about aggressive driving and excessive engine noise in the area.
At about 1:56 a.m. on May 18, an officer saw a black Ferrari Portofino revving its engine and producing significant noise. Police coordinated a stop of the vehicle at Marine Drive and 13th Street, according to a department news release.
The driver, who holds a Class 7 BC learner’s licence, provided two “fail” breath samples, indicating a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08 per cent. Police issued her a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition, impounded the vehicle for 30 days, and issued violation tickets for driving contrary to licence restrictions and for failing to display an “L” sign.
While officers were dealing with the driver, the 49-year-old male passenger moved into the driver’s seat, started the vehicle and drove it roughly 10 feet, police said. Officers removed him from the car and requested a breath sample. He provided two “warn” readings, indicating a blood alcohol concentration between 0.06 and 0.08 percent, and was issued a three-day prohibition.
Class 7 learner drivers in B.C. are not permitted to consume any alcohol or drugs before driving, must display an “L” sign and are barred from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. They are also limited to one passenger and must be accompanied by a qualified supervisor aged 25 or older who holds a valid licence and is not impaired.
Provincial noise regulations limit light-duty vehicles on public roads to 83 decibels. West Vancouver police said proactive patrols will continue across the municipality, with enforcement used where appropriate.
