A police traffic stop wound up being the prelude to a vehicle impoundment and driving prohibition for an 18-year-old "N" driver. 

Around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, a Salmon Arm RCMP officer driving an unmarked police vehicle was heading to a call for service on Auto Road SE when they a black Honda Prelude with high beams on caught up and began following close behind. 

When the Prelude's high beams were turned off, police saw one of the headlights was burnt out. The Prelude's high beams turned on again and the vehicle "began following the police vehicle even closer," said Salmon Arm Const. Andrew Hodges in a media release.

The officer allowed the Prelude to pass before initiating a traffic stop.

"The 18-year-old 'N' driver advised he was on his way to the same area police were heading," said Hodges, adding the officer could smell alcohol and a near empty bottle of rum was on the passenger side floor.

Police conducted two breath demands and the driver blew a fail" both times. Hodges said the driver then, using an expletive, accused the officer treating him unfairly, while the officer explained he, the 18-year-old, was the one that chose to drive impaired.

Hodges said the driver's vehicle was impounded for 30 days, and he was prohibited from driving for 90 days.