Driver facing charges after going 166 km/h on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa

Ontario Provincial Police say an officer observed a driver going 166 km/h on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa Thursday night. (OPP/X)

An Ottawa driver is facing charges after being observed going 66 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417.

Ontario Provincial Police say an officer spotted a driver going 166 km/h on Hwy. 417 near Terry Fox Drive last night.

“The driver received an immediate 30-day driving suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound,” Const. Michael Fathi said on X.

“They now face a minimum $2,000 fine, six demerit points, and a one-year driving prohibition upon conviction.”

Driving in the HOV lane

Meantime, a motorist caught driving solo in the high occupancy vehicle lane is facing a minimum $5,000 fine for driving without insurance, according to police.

The OPP says an officer stopped a driver on Hwy. 417 near Eagleson Road during the Thursday afternoon rush hour because they were in the HOV lane.

“The driver turned out to be unlicenced since 2022, the plate permit expired since 2023, and the vehicle was not insured,” Fathi said.

“The driver faces a minimum $5,000 fine upon conviction for operating a vehicle without insurance.”

The fine for improper use of the HOV lane is $110.

High occupancy vehicle lanes can only be used by vehicles carrying two or more people or other specific types of vehicles, such as taxis and motorcycles.