Nearly 200 impaired drivers caught during B.C.’s Light Up the Province night, including one speeding mom whose “child” was actually a dog.
Nearly 200 Caught During B.C.’s Holiday Driving Crackdown
Prince George, B.C.—The annual Light Up the Province impaired driving enforcement night caught almost 200 drivers breaking the law, proving once again that some holiday excuses are stranger than fiction.
This year’s numbers are slightly lower than 2024, with 200 impaired drivers stopped versus 222 last year, despite a rise in vehicles checked—52,091 in 2025 compared to 43,713 in 2024.
“In most cases, drivers understand why police are out keeping impaired drivers off the road, even if check stops are inconvenient,” said Insp. Adam Tallboy of BC Highway Patrol (BCHP). “Mandatory Alcohol Screening continues to be a crucial tool. Many drivers wouldn’t have shown any signs without it.”
Regional Enforcement Highlights
Police and BC Highway Patrol officers partnered across B.C. to cover hundreds of check stops. Here’s a snapshot of the action:
- Northern B.C.: 400 vehicles checked, 21 prohibitions, 70 tickets issued across six stops.
- Central B.C.: 3,213 vehicles checked, 23 prohibitions, 76 tickets from 10 stops.
- Kootenay Region: 1,791 vehicles checked, 17 prohibitions, 30 tickets from 15 stops.
- Vancouver Island: 13,500 vehicles checked, 18 prohibitions, 112 tickets issued at 16 stops.
- South Coast (Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley): 33,187 vehicles checked, 190 prohibitions, 662 tickets across 74 stops.
Commercial vehicle checks also revealed 93 defects in 28 trucks, with nine vehicles taken out of service and one driver charged with impaired driving.
The “Dog That Almost Needed a Hospital”
Officers also encountered some truly bizarre excuses. The most memorable took place on the Sea to Sky Highway just after 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. A 23-year-old Richmond woman was caught speeding at 110 km/h in a 60 km/h zone in Lions Bay.
Her excuse? Her two-year-old son was home alone and might need medical attention. Police immediately contacted the RCMP, who checked the residence. Surprise—no child was inside. The “son” was actually a dog, safe and sound.
The woman was fined $483 for excessive speeding, had her car impounded, and had to pay for a taxi home. Later that evening, she emailed an apology, citing panic and a poor decision.
“In the end, taking responsibility is good, but the safest choice is simple: drive sober, obey speed limits, and leave plenty of time for winter road conditions,” said Tallboy.
A Team Effort for Safer Roads
BC Highway Patrol thanked municipal police, volunteers, and provincial partners for their combined efforts. Their work ensures roads stay safer during the busy holiday season as part of the ongoing Winter Impaired Driving Campaign.
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