There’s a difference between being unaware of the law and showing blatant indifference. One driver in Quebec appears to have chosen the latter path. As reported by the Ottawa Citizen, a 1999 Toyota Tercel was pulled over late Sunday night in Val-des-Monts, Quebec, due to non-working brake lights. However, this was just the beginning of a troubling story.
In various parts of the world, laws govern both vehicle condition and driver sobriety. In Western countries, such as those in North America and Europe, these regulations are fairly standard, making it expected for drivers to be aware of them. It would be exceptionally reckless to operate a poorly maintained vehicle while intoxicated in any civilized nation.
The driver of the Tercel certainly fits the profile of such reckless individuals. This 28-year-old initially compounded the situation by failing to provide proof of insurance during the traffic stop. Furthermore, the occupants of the car did nothing to hide an open can of beer sitting in plain sight beside them. The overall condition of the vehicle was appalling: it lacked windshield wipers, three of its tires were nearly flat, and the rear suspension was propped up by a makeshift structure of logs and chicken wire.
Miraculously, the driver passed a sobriety test. However, the Tercel, likely relieved to escape its pattern of neglect, has been impounded. It is assumed that the driver will not attempt to reclaim it. As a consequence, the driver faces a slew of financial penalties, including charges for towing, an open container violation, failure to provide insurance, and additional safety infractions.
The vehicle has been impounded for what is being called a “mechanical inspection,” which will likely involve personnel at the impound lot having a good laugh over its condition before it is sent to the junkyard.
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