Police issue $1,400 in fines to car hauler with bad brakes caught speeding through construction zone

Police impounded a commercial vehicle and issued significant fines after catching a truck driver speeding through a construction zone near Merritt, British Columbia.

Shortly before 10 a.m. on July 31, 2026, a BC Highway Patrol spotted a loaded car hauler traveling at speeds of nearly 68 m.p.h. (109 km/h) in a 37 m.p.h. (60 km/h) construction zone located on Highway 5 at Highway 97C.

“The police officer activated his lights and sirens, but the truck went through the entire construction zone before stopping. Suspecting that a mechanical issue was a factor, BC Highway Patrol began a level I inspection of the tractor-trailer,” police said.

The truck and trailer both failed the inspection and were placed out-of-service for “major safety violations.”

Police issued approximately $1,400 (CAD) in fines.

See below for a breakdown of the enforcement actions taken as a result of the traffic stop:

• A ticket for excessive speed with a fine of $368 (CAD)
• The cost of a seven-day impound (with premium costs for a heavy-duty hauler)
• Improper brake performance (three brakes) with a fine of $414 (CAD)
• Fail to have pneumatic/adequate tires in good condition with a fine of $109 (CAD)
• Numerous yellow marker lamps inoperable with a fine of $109 (CAD)
• Fail to comply with trip inspection requirements with a fine of $138 (CAD)
• Fail to verify accuracy of certified record of duty status with a fine of $311 (CAD)

The Surrey-based trucking company will be responsible for paying for the costs of the tow and the seven day impound.

“We are watching commercial trucks everywhere in BC, but residents in the Thompson Nicola Region have told us they want even more focus than usual,” says Sergeant Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “There’s an expectation that commercial truck drivers will be as committed to road safety as anyone else, and police are committed to upholding that standard.”