A man, whose driving license had been revoked, was pulled over by police for using an unconventional mode of transportation during the morning rush hour: a bright pink Barbie toy car.
He borrowed the toy car from his roommate’s daughter. The police returned the Power Wheels Barbie Jeep Wrangler to the little girl instead of impounding it.
The man was apprehended for driving while prohibited, received a 90-day driving suspension, and is set to appear in court in December following two breathalyzer tests that indicated he was over the legal alcohol limit.
On September 5th around 9 am, the man was seen driving the small vehicle when he was intercepted by officers who deemed him a hazard to other road users and himself.
The individual stated he was on his way to purchase a slurpee and had just woken up before setting out in the Barbie jeep without consuming any alcohol that morning.
Despite his assertions, the police viewed the situation differently when they stopped him at 15th Avenue and Nicholson Street in Prince George, British Columbia.
Authorities highlighted that the area was bustling during the morning commute, and the presence of the toy car at that level was unusual, potentially endangering other drivers and the driver himself.
Jennifer Cooper, a media relations officer for the Prince George Royal Canadian Mounted Police, explained that the toy car’s size and speed made it necessary to initiate a traffic stop.
Following a routine morning patrol, police suspected the man might be impaired, prompting them to request two breath samples, both of which indicated he exceeded the legal alcohol limit.
His license was revoked, as Canadian law considers any road vehicle not solely powered by human muscles as a motor vehicle, requiring a license and insurance for operation.
Additionally, due to the Barbie jeep’s dimensions and velocity, other road users had to adjust their paths to avoid the man as he made his way to purchase his morning drink, underscoring the unsafe nature of his decision to drive the toy car.