Police say licence plate reader catches suspended driver on Hwy. 17

A 45-year-old man whose licence was already suspended now faces impaired driving and other charges following an incident this week on Highway 17.

An automated licence plate recognition device went off while Ontario Provincial Police were patrolling on the roadway in West Nipissing on Wednesday around 3:40 p.m.

“The driver was arrested for being impaired and a suspended driver, then transported to the Greater Sudbury Police Service for further testing,” the OPP said in a news release Thursday.

Cannabis in the vehicle

“A small amount of cannabis was located in the vehicle. The driver failed to comply with the breath demand.”

The West Nipissing resident is charged with obstructing police, failing to comply with a demand, driving while impaired by drugs, driving while suspended and driving with cannabis readily available to the driver.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Oct. 2 in North Bay.

The vehicle was also impounded for seven days.

“The OPP would like to remind the public that if you fail or refuse to provide a breath sample or comply with a lawful demand from police, you face the same penalties as if you were charged with impaired driving,” police said.

That includes a criminal charge, immediate driver’s licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, fines and possible jail time.

“Make the right choice and always drive sober.”