Northern Ont. woman faces impaired driving, drug charges after refusing sobriety test

Ontario Provincial Police conducted a search of a vehicle in North Bay on Feb. 27, 2026, under the Cannabis Control Act. Officers located and seized drug paraphernalia, a small quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine and an open, half filled can of alcohol. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 39-year-old woman from Sturgeon Falls is facing multiple charges after an automated licence plate recognition alert led Ontario Provincial Police to conduct a traffic stop in North Bay on Friday.

An OPP officer received the automated alert for a vehicle displaying an expired temporary validation tag at about 3 p.m. on Feb. 27.

“The officer stopped the vehicle as it entered a business parking lot on Main Street West,” OPP said in a news release.

During the traffic stop, OPP said the officer detected the odour of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

“A search of the vehicle was conducted under the Cannabis Control Act, which led to the seizure of drug paraphernalia, a small quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine and an open, half filled can of alcohol.”

Based on observations of impairment, the driver was issued a standard field sobriety test demand, which she subsequently refused.

As a result of the investigation, the motorist has been charged with drug possession, using a plate not authorized for a vehicle, driving without a valid permit, driving while under a suspension and driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor. She was also charged with failure or refusal to comply with demand and impaired driving.

Consequences of refusal

“The OPP reminds motorists that refusing to comply with a lawful demand, such as a breath test, or (standard field sobriety test), carries the same criminal consequences as an impaired driving conviction, including immediate roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundment, fines and potential jail time,” said police.

“Drive sober,” added OPP Const. Kyler Brouwer, in a related social media post.

As a result, in addition to the charges, the motorist received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on April 7.

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