OPP lay charges after northern driver refuses breath test

Ontario Provincial Police impounded this vehicle for 45 days after the driver refused to comply with a breath demand and was found to be operating it without a court required ignition interlock device on Aug. 4, 2026, in Restoule, Ont. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 43-year-old local man is facing multiple charges after provincial police say he refused to provide a breath sample during a traffic stop on Hamilton Farm Road in Restoule, Ont., on Tuesday.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a disabled vehicle stopped in the roadway at about 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4.

“Officers located the vehicle stopped in the roadway and spoke with the driver,” OPP said in a news release Wednesday.

During that conversation, OPP said that officers observed signs consistent with impairment and made a lawful roadside demand for a breath sample.

“The driver refused to comply with the demand and was subsequently arrested,” said police.

Charges and penalties

As a result, the man has been charged with failing or refusing to comply with a demand, as well as driving a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device and driving a motor vehicle contrary to conditions.

“Refusing to provide a breath sample when lawfully required by police is a criminal offence and carries the same serious consequences as impaired driving,” said OPP.

As a result, in addition to the charged, the motorist received an immediate 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on Sept. 1.