Novice driver near North Bay was speeding, had been drinking, police say

The incident took place Oct. 18 around 10 p.m. when Mattawa Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle travelling 130 km/h on Highway 17 in Calvin Township. (Supplied)

A novice driver charged for speeding in the North Bay area recently also had alcohol in the bloodstream, in violation of the province's zero-tolerance laws for inexperienced drivers.

The incident took place Oct. 18 around 10 p.m. when Mattawa Ontario Provincial Police stopped a vehicle travelling 130 km/h on Highway 17 in Calvin Township.

"Police stopped the vehicle and conducted a mandatory alcohol screening test, (which showed) the driver had been consuming alcohol," the OPP said on social media Thursday.

The 19-year-old driver from Petawawa was charged with both speeding and being a novice driver with a blood alcohol content above zero.

"OPP remind motorists that it is your responsibility to understand the law pertaining to your class of driver's licence," police said.

"Novice drivers aged 21 or under, as well as drivers of any age who hold a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence are NOT permitted to have any alcohol in their system when operating a motor vehicle."