As Peter Norman rode to a stop at an RCMP impaired driving road check north of Salmon Arm one evening in June, the last thing on his mind were the few beers he had earlier that day.

But when police suspected the 64-year-old pensioner might be over the limit, they breathalyzed him, threw him in the back of a patrol car, then took his car and his licence — all despite the fact he wasn’t the one behind the wheel.

Norman’s tale may come as a surprise warning to British Columbians that it’s not always OK to drink and ride. At least, not when the driver has a learner’s permit.

“They’re treating me like I was the impaired driver,” Norman said, before recalling the day his trouble began.

Norman had spent the day gardening with friends and had a few beers. He was quick to point out that this wasn’t an everyday occurrence, adding that he hadn’t been in a bar “since beer cost 10 cents.”

Toward the end of the day, Norman’s grandson came by the house and asked if he could drive his grandfather’s car a few kilometres to the local store to pick up groceries. His grandson had a learner’s licence, which according to the ICBC website, means he must have a qualified supervisor sitting beside him who is 25 or older, and in possession of a valid driver’s licence.

Norman gave his keys to his grandson, who drove the pair to the store. On the way back, they came across a road check.

“They pulled me out of the car and gave me a breathalyzer,” said Norman. “I was put in the back seat of the police car. They took my licence away right there ... then the tow truck showed up.”

The consequences were stiff. Norman had to pay a $500 administration fee and his car was impounded for a month, which cost him $800 in towing and storage costs. His licence was suspended for 90 days, and he is required to participate in the responsible driver program, a course that will cost him another $1,000.

“There’s something wrong with this picture,” Norman said. “I’ve never had an accident in over 40 years ... If I was drinking and driving, sure — fair enough. But I wasn’t.”

Norman lodged a complaint with the RCMP and another with the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. Eventually he received a letter in reply from the superintendent’s office.

“Although you state that you were not the driver at the time of this incident, this is not an issue for me to consider,” read the letter.

“In conducting this review I must consider the purpose of the remedial programs, which is to teach drivers to separate drinking from driving and to protect public safety.”

The arresting officer’s police report stated that Norman claimed on the scene he did not know about the rule.

He might be excused for that. Neither ICBC’s online guide for new drivers, nor its frequently asked questions section mention that supervisors must be under the legal limit.

Vancouver criminal defence lawyer Paul Doroshenko said he had never heard of a case like Norman’s before, and questions whether the officer made the right call on the scene.

“I don’t think he’s a driver,” he said. “It’s an unlawful demand.”

Despite the questionable decision, Doroshenko said it is too late for Norman to argue his case in court, noting people are only granted seven days to dispute roadside prohibitions.

“That poor old guy is going to have to go take the responsible driver program,” said Doroshenko. “Why would the police bother?”

Superintendent of Motor Vehicles Sam MacLeod said in a written statement that he was unable to discuss the specifics of the case.

“That said, whenever someone is the qualified supervisor of an ‘L’ or ‘N’ driver, it is expected that this person not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs to help ensure they can provide any necessary assistance or advice to the relatively new driver,” he wrote.

Neither ICBC nor the Superintendent’s office could point to a publicly posted and obvious location where that expectation is communicated.

mattrobinson@postmedia.com