Pickup clocked at 166 km/h near Merritt, impounded for 7 days

BC Highway Patrol says it clocked a pickup at 166 km/h in a 110 km/h zone on Highway 97C near Merritt on October 25, 2026, amid wet snow and rain. The truck was impounded for seven days, and its 28-year-old Abbotsford driver received two tickets, police said.

The dark F-350 emerged from fog while an officer was patrolling, according to police. After the stop, police records showed the truck had not been inspected for mechanical modifications and defects following a police notice and order issued in August 2026.

The driver received a $368 ticket for excessive speeding and a $598 ticket for failing to comply with an order. Police said the truck's owner was responsible for towing and impound costs.

Police also issued a notice and order requiring the truck's insurance to be suspended immediately until all mechanical defects are repaired and inspected. BC Highway Patrol estimated the total cost at more than $4,000, including fines, repairs and at least three years of high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance.

Campaign tickets down

The stop took place during B.C.'s annual October Drive Relative to Conditions campaign. BC Highway Patrol issued 1,376 tickets in the Central B.C. region, which includes Merritt, in 2026, compared with 1,443 in 2025. The provincial total fell from 7,888 to 6,695.

Police said a drop in staffing appeared to be one reason for the lower enforcement numbers. They urged drivers to slow down in poor weather, darkness or heavy traffic and to remain sober and alert.