North Vancouver RCMP is sharing some details about the arrest of someone who was caught driving impaired, who offered a wild excuse for why he was driving recklessly.
On March 20, the North Vancouver driver was arrested following refusing to provide a breath sample after he was observed performing a series of “reckless driving behaviours” on Marine Drive.
The incident occurred at around 1:20 a.m. when a frontline North Vancouver RCMP officer was conducting patrols near Marine Drive and Garden Avenue. The officer observed a grey Honda Civic incorrectly travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes.
“The vehicle continued at excessive speeds, reaching up to 120 km/h while running red lights and swerving across lanes.”
North Vancouver RCMP says that the officer was able to catch up with the Honda when the driver slowed at a red light at Marine Drive and Bewicke Avenue.
“During the traffic stop, officers observed clear signs of impairment and initiated an impaired driving investigation. After being read the Approved Screening Device demand, the driver refused to provide a breath sample,” RCMP shared.
The driver was arrested for refusing to comply with a lawful demand and was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition. He also received a ticket for excessive speeding and driving without consideration, which leaves him with over $1,000 in fines. He also faces vehicle impoundment fees associated with the prohibition.
According to North Vancouver RCMP, the driver’s alleged excuse for drinking and driving was that he’s a bartender and had to test the drinks, which the RCMP called “not only irresponsible but incredibly dangerous.”
“This was a cascade of escalating recklessness,” North Vancouver Media Relations Officer Corporal Mansoor Sahak said in a statement, adding, “It is bad enough that someone would drink and drive, but it is that much worse when they put the lives of other people at risk.”
North Vancouver RCMP said that if you drink and drive, you could face the same penalties as the North Vancouver bartender, in addition to the potential of mandatory rehab and the installation of an ignition interlock in your vehicle.
A #NorthVan driver has been arrested after refusing to provide a breath sample following a series of reckless driving behaviours on Marine Drive. The driver’s alleged excuse for drinking and driving was that he is a bartender and had to test the drinks…
Link to release:… pic.twitter.com/N9AraaP9eQ
— North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp) March 24, 2026