RCMP speed enforcement (RCMP photo)

By Pete McIntyre

summer campaign

Highway Patrol puts high priority on excessive speeders in Okanagan

Jun 23, 2024 | 8:30 AM

Watch your speed on Okanagan highways this summer or you could end up losing your vehicle temporarily.

That’s the message from the BC Highway Patrol which says its officers will be out in full force, looking for excessive speeders and impaired drivers throughout the summer.

Since January 1, Highway Patrol officers have impounded over 225 vehicles for excessive speeding in the Kelowna area.

Five of the vehicles impounded for excessive speed in June 2024 include:

• A Chevrolet Camaro travelling at 111 in a 60 km per hour zone;
• A Honda Accord going 143 in a 60 km per hour zone;
• A Kia Forte travelling 110 in a 50 km per hour zone;
• An Acura RSX speeding at 188 in the 110 km per hour zone; and
• A Cadillac Escalade going 148 in a 90 km per hour zone.

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Excessive speed is defined as a vehicle travelling more than 41 km per hour over the posted speed limit.

“Any officer who observes a vehicle travelling at an excessive speed, whether privately or commercially owned, must impound the vehicle for seven days at the owner’s expense,” Cpl. Melissa Jongema, BC Highway Patrol media relations officer said. “Speed is one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions. Please slow down, obey the posted speed limits this summer, and drive safe.”

The fine for speeding from 41 to 60 km per hour over the posted speed limit is $368. If caught going in excess of 61 km per hour, the fine is $483, and in both cases, the vehicle is impounded for seven days.

“Fines, in addition to seven days of impound fees, can cost speeders over $1000. Excessive speed convictions can affect your driver’s license and insurance premiums,” Jongema stated.