Driver Caught Speeding in B.C. with Unsafe Vehicle Modifications

A 22-year-old man was stopped for speeding in British Columbia when police discovered his vehicle in a dangerously modified condition. The incident occurred on January 9, 2024, on a highway southeast of Kelowna, close to the U.S. border, where officers clocked the car traveling at a speed of 130 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

According to the B.C. RCMP highway patrol, the car was described as being “held together with duct tape and wishful thinking.” Corporal Michael McLaughlin remarked on the vehicle’s condition, saying, “It’s amazing that this particular car could go that fast without disintegrating.”

The vehicle presented numerous safety concerns. It had visible dents that appeared to have been hammered out and spray-painted, while the rear window was replaced with rebar and duct tape. The door was secured with a latch that had been welded in place, leading the RCMP to comment on the “level of creativity rarely seen” in vehicle modifications.

Despite the driver’s apparent ingenuity, he was penalized for his actions. Officers issued a $368 fine for excessive speed and also imposed costs for the vehicle’s impoundment, which will last for seven days. In addition, under B.C. law, the driver will face increased insurance premiums for at least three years due to his high-risk driving status.

The car has been ordered off the road until all defects are repaired and it passes a motor vehicle inspection. McLaughlin emphasized the importance of vehicle safety, stating, “Any time you modify an essential component of your vehicle, including door locks, windows, steering, brakes, or suspension, you need to get that vehicle inspected. And if you’re driving in a vehicle that’s obviously not roadworthy, you probably shouldn’t speed. Police can’t ignore that.”

In British Columbia, unlike provinces such as Ontario and New Brunswick, there are no mandatory safety inspections for personal-use vehicles, SUVs, or light trucks. This incident underscores the potential dangers of driving vehicles that have not been properly maintained or inspected.

As authorities continue to monitor road safety, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle integrity and compliance with traffic laws.