Police issue warning on drinking and driving during grad season

A Nanaimo RCMP vehicle is seen on Nov. 2, 2025.

Nanaimo RCMP are urging young drivers to plan safe transportation ahead of time and avoid drinking and driving during this time of year when maybe young people are attending grads and prom celebrations.

At around 11 p.m. on Saturday night, a Nanaimo RCMP officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was found travelling 136km/h in a 90 zone on Highway 1.

The vehicle was being occupied by four young adults ranging from 18 to 21-years-old, one of which appeared to be wearing a prom dress.

The officer noticed the smell of alcohol from both the driver and inside the vehicle and later found open liquor containers inside.

Police say the driver registered two “WARN” readings on a blood-alcohol screening device and was handed a three-day driving prohibition.

The driver, who had a Class 7 licence with restrictions, was also issued several tickets including excessive speed, having open liquor inside the vehicle, and driving contrary to restrictions.

The vehicle was impounded for seven days, and all occupants eventually went home safely with other drivers.

“Graduation season is a time of celebration, but choosing to drink and drive, especially while speeding at dangerous rates, puts everyone including pedestrians at risk,” said Insp. Donovan Tait in a news release from Nanaimo RCMP.

Police say they will continue their efforts targeting excessive speeding and impaired driving throughout the grad season and the rest of the summer.