You may be surprised to learn that if you’re the sole passenger with a Novice driver, you could face a roadside prohibition. How? If you’re over the legal limit. In 2013, Peter Norman went through a police road check in Salmon Arm. His grandson, who held a learner’s license, was at the wheel. The last thing on Norman’s mind were the few beers he’d had earlier that day.
But when police suspected he might be over the limit, they breathalyzed him, threw him in the back of a patrol car, suspended his license for 90 days and seized his car for a month, even though he wasn’t the one driving.
Is that fair? Fair or not, this sad tale still applies today. If you’re in the car alone with a Novice driver, you’re considered to be the “supervisor”, who has care and control of the vehicle. If your blood alcohol level is over .05, you’ll face stiff penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act. To add insult, you’ll face a $500 administration fee, towing and storage costs, and $1000 mandatory responsible driver program. You only have 7 days to dispute. Never treat a Novice driver as your designated driver.
Sadly, ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Make yourself aware of the law and your legal rights. Consult a lawyer if needed. It could save you a lot of time, expense and inconvenience.
Einfeld Law is a highly knowledgeable and experienced civil litigation law firm with a primary focus on personal injury. We deal with motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other negligence claims involving bodily injury. We do not represent ICBC or any insurance companies. We have successfully litigated many ICBC and other insurance claims, including out of province, wrongful death, brain injury, spinal cord injury, whiplash, soft tissue injury, and all other bodily injury claims. We have collected millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We never act for ICBC or other insurance companies. Your ICBC adjuster works for ICBC. We work for you.
Don’t settle for less. Contact us for a free, initial consultation.
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