Port Moody police (PMPD) are encouraging all driver's licence holders, especially new ones, to obey all the rules of the road.
This comes after the department conducted its first summer CounterAttack campaign of the year — the initiative's goal is to combat impaired driving as the season typically courts increased drinking.
And while there were drivers taken off the road after testing above the legal alcohol limit, there were others that broke the Motor Vehicle Act despite recently earning their green 'N' magnet.
PMPD spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias tells the Tri-City News violation tickets were issued to "many" class 7N commuters at several locations in the city where officers conducted CounterAttack roadblocks.
Among them included disobeying the new licence's restrictions, such as having more than the allotted number of non-family members inside a vehicle.
In B.C., 'N' drivers can only have one passenger in their vehicle that's not a family member.
The only exception is if there's a supervisor aged 25 years and older with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence.
This could result in a $270 fine or more.
Meanwhile, Zacharias says two Port Moody drivers had their licences taken away for alcohol-impaired driving, including one that received a 90-day licence suspension.
Both vehicles were also impounded.
"Port Moody residents can expect to see more counterattack roadblocks throughout the summer months and beyond," adds Zacharias in a statement to the Tri-City News.
"On average, impaired driving kills about 65 British Columbians annually with nearly a third of deaths occurring in the summer. These deaths are so avoidable and we always encourage the public to plan a safe ride home – take transit, taxi or a rideshare."
What's CounterAttack?
The CounterAttack campaigns have been going on for over 35 years in partnership with ICBC and usually take place in July and December which are typically periods of increased drinking.
According to ICBC, 65 people die in impaired driving-related crashes each year with almost a third of them happening in the summer and during the holidays. So specially trained units of officers set up roadblocks and roving checks for drunk drivers.
When stopped at a CounterAttack road check, you will be asked to show your licence and perhaps participate in a roadside test if an officer believes you have alcohol or drugs in your system.
If you're caught at one of these roadblocks you could have your licence suspended for anywhere between 12 hours to 90 days.
Your car could also be impounded for up to 30 days and in the most serious cases, criminal charges could be laid.
Finding alternative ways home
Finding a ride home isn't that difficult; there are always the same kind of tips floating around, like leave the car at home, call a friend or family member, call a cab and so on, but if you do find yourself out with your car and in need of a way home there are designated driver services that will pick you and your car up and deliver both safely to your door.
Safe Designated Drivers is like a chauffeur service that uses your car.
It's great for a night out with friends where you might want to start off from home and then hit up a few different places in town.
It services the whole of Metro Vancouver and parts of Greater Vancouver and has an interesting pay structure that starts at $50 base rate for pick up and driving up to 8 km and $2.50/km. The first drop-off is free and there is a $5 for each subsequent drop-off.
Another option is Discreet Designated Drivers which is a lot like a cab service but it will come and pick you up and drive you home in your car for $2.50 per kilometre.
It has services in Port Moody, as well as Burnaby, Vancouver, Langley, Maple Ridge and other areas of the Lower Mainland.
- with files from Allie Turner, Vancouver Is Awesome
