Novice driver charged for driving with improperly buckled child on Hwy. 417

Police charged a G1 driver using this car with multiple violations on Highway 417 in Ottawa. (OPP/X)

An Ottawa vehicle owner will have some explaining to do after allowing their niece to drive with an improperly secured child in the car.

Ontario Provincial Police officers received an Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert on Highway 417 Saturday about the owner of a registered vehicle being a suspended driver.

After stopping the vehicle, officers found the driver only had a G1 licence.

Police say they also found a 5-year-old child not properly secured in their car seat. The owner of the vehicle was not inside.

The driver was issued multiple charges for G1 licence violations and a child seat violation. The vehicle had to be towed at the scene, said OPP Const. Michael Fathi in an email.

In Ontario, a G1 driver can only operate a vehicle with a fully licensed driver accompanying them.

They are also not allowed to drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways unless they are with a licensed driving instructor.

Drivers can face a fine of $240 and two demerit points from their record if convicted of not properly securing a child in a vehicle.