In a concerning incident highlighting the ongoing issue of impaired driving, a novice driver in Huntsville, Ontario, has been charged after being stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) during a routine sobriety checkpoint early Saturday morning.

At approximately 12:24 a.m. on September 30, officers patrolling Main Street West observed a pickup truck operating erratically and significantly below the posted speed limit. This prompted a traffic stop as part of their ongoing efforts to curb impaired driving in the area.

Upon approaching the vehicle, officers detected a strong odour of alcohol emanating from the driver. The 25-year-old driver, identified as Mitchel Yearly of Huntsville, was subjected to a roadside alcohol screening test, which he failed.

As a result of the investigation, Yearly has been charged with several offenses, including:

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero

• Driver - fail to properly wear seat belt

Yearly’s novice driver status is particularly significant, as it legally restricts him from having any alcohol in his system while operating a vehicle. The charges reflect not only the seriousness of impaired driving but also the additional responsibility that comes with being a novice driver.

In addition to the criminal charges, Yearly was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension, which will prevent him from legally operating a vehicle during this period. He has been released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on November 4, 2025.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving, especially for new drivers. The OPP continues to encourage the community to report any suspicious driving behaviour and to prioritize safety on the roads. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and law enforcement agencies are committed to addressing this dangerous behaviour through regular checkpoints and public awareness campaigns.

As the investigation proceeds, the community is urged to stay vigilant and support initiatives aimed at reducing impaired driving incidents in the area.