Novice driver caught street racing at ‘staggering’ speeds, Abbotsford police say

Abbotsford police shared this photo with their statement. (X.com / @AbbyPoliceDept)

Police in Abbotsford say they stopped a novice driver who was behind the wheel of one of two vehicles caught street racing at “staggering” speeds over the weekend.

Plainclothes officers made the traffic stop on Saturday, April 25, around 10:30 p.m., the Abbotsford Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.

Two vehicles had been seen racing along Sumas and South Fraser ways, reaching speeds up to 150 km/h, triple the posted 50 km/h limit, police said.

“When officers stopped one of the vehicles—a black Kia—the driver attempted to move into the back seat in an apparent effort to avoid responsibility,” the statement reads.

“Officers observed the entire manoeuvre and, upon approaching the vehicle, noted his legs were still stretched across the centre console.”

The 20-year-old held a Class 7 N licence and was ticketed for excessive speeding, driving without consideration and failing to display his “N” sign, according to police.

Excessive speeding is defined in B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act as exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h.

Drivers caught speeding excessively can have their vehicles impounded for seven days on a first offence, and longer if they’ve been caught doing so on any previous occasion within the last two years.

The man was also found to have consumed alcohol, prompting a 12-hour suspension for violating the conditions of his licence, police said, adding that his vehicle was impounded.

“Once the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles reviews the matter, the driver will likely be losing his licence altogether,” the statement concludes.

“Although the second vehicle involved wasn’t stopped that night, it’s only a matter of time till we pay you a visit.”