‘Festive’ trucker pulled off road after alcohol screening, B.C. police say

A B.C. Highway Patrol officer pulls over a tractor-trailer for speeding in Fruitvale, B.C., on Dec. 4, 2025. (Handout)

Authorities are warning motorists that mandatory alcohol screening can happen to “any driver, any time” after pulling a trucker off the road in the West Kootenays.

B.C. Highway Patrol said an officer stopped the 52-year-old for speeding in the community of Fruitvale last Thursday morning—then noticed a “festive” lit candle in the cab.

“It’s possible that the driver is very fond of Christmas candles,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, in a statement. “It’s also possible that he was trying to mask the odour of liquor.”

The trucker was given mandatory alcohol screening and blew a “warn,” indicating he was over the legal limit, authorities said.

The Abbotsford resident was given a three-day immediate roadside driving prohibition, a $230 ticket for having open liquor in his vehicle, and a $138 ticket for speeding 15 km/h about the posted limit, according to BCHP.

His vehicle—an orange Peterbilt tractor-trailer owned by an Agassiz company—was also impounded for three days.

Bill C-46, which was passed in 2018, gave Canadian police the power to demand a breath sample from anyone they pull over for a traffic stop, even if there is no suspicion the driver is intoxicated.

B.C. Highway Patrol said officers will be taking advantage of the federal law all month as they crack down on holiday season impaired driving.