A man from Prince George, British Columbia, recently demonstrated a spectacular lack of judgment. Last Friday, he was intercepted by police while making a trip to buy a Slurpee… driving a pink children’s Power Wheels Jeep. While he might have gotten away with it by avoiding rush hour, the individual chose audacity, with unfortunate consequences.
A Not-So-Discreet Expedition for a Slurpee
According to Canadian media Global News, the man, sporting Pit Viper-style sunglasses and a t-shirt proclaiming “Let’s do it the stupidest way possible,” had borrowed the toy, which belonged to his roommate’s daughter. His mission: to go to the nearest convenience store. He attempted to justify his actions by stating: “It wasn’t a high-speed chase. I waited until it was safe, and when I crossed the road, I was using my hand signals.”
Canadian Law is Clear
Unfortunately for him, the police officers did not find the situation amusing. After breathalyzer tests revealed a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, he received a 90-day driving prohibition and a court summons. The fact that he was already subject to a driver’s license suspension likely explains why he had opted for this one-seat Barbiemobile rather than a conventional car.
The Broad Definition of “Motor Vehicle”
Canadian authorities indeed consider that “any vehicle operating on a public roadway that is propelled by something other than muscular power falls within the definition of a motor vehicle and requires a licensed driver and insurance.”
An Important Reminder
This incident serves as a friendly reminder: law enforcement is far less likely to see the humor in this kind of prank when multiple offenses are committed simultaneously. A DUI, regardless of the nature of the wheeled vehicle, will almost always get you into trouble. Meanwhile, the young owner of the Barbie Jeep has, fortunately, recovered her property.