Canadian Police Arrest 22-Year-Old for Speeding in Car Held Together by Garden Latch
In a bizarre incident that has left authorities both amused and concerned, a 22-year-old man has been arrested in British Columbia, Canada, after he was caught overspeeding in a car that was held together by a garden door latch. The police, while not releasing the man's name, shared a photo of the vehicle, awarding the driver "a 10 on creativity and a 0 for legality." This unusual case highlights serious road safety issues while showcasing an extreme example of makeshift vehicle repairs.
Creative but Illegal: The Garden Latch Car
The grey Acura was traveling at 130 km/h in an 80 km/h zone near Christina Lake when officers from the BC Highway Patrol stopped it. Upon inspection, they were stunned to find the car's driver's door locked using a welded garden latch, a modification that raised immediate red flags. Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol remarked, "It’s amazing that this particular car could go that fast without disintegrating." He added that the owner had made efforts to hammer out dents and spray paint repairs, but the vehicle was far from roadworthy, looking "like it had been chewed up by Robosaurus."
Further inspection revealed additional hazards: the rear window was missing, replaced with rebar and duct tape. Such modifications to essential components like door locks, windows, steering, brakes, or suspension require proper inspection and approval, which this vehicle lacked. Corporal McLaughlin emphasized, "Any time you modify an essential component of your vehicle... 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."
Police Response and Penalties Issued
The police have taken strict action in this case. The car has been confiscated, and the man has been issued a ticket for excessive speed. Additionally, he faces several financial and legal consequences:
- A fine covering the cost of a tow truck and a seven-day vehicle impound at his expense.
- High-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance costs for a minimum of three years.
- A Notice and Order requiring the vehicle's removal from the road until all defects are fixed and it passes a proper inspection.
This is not the first time police have encountered vehicles held together with unconventional methods. The police release noted that they often come across cars secured "with duct tape and wishful thinking," but using a garden door latch was a rare display of creativity. However, such ingenuity does not excuse the dangers posed to public safety.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic laws. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle at high speeds not only endangers the driver but also other road users. Authorities urge all vehicle owners to ensure their cars are in safe, legal condition before hitting the road. As this case shows, even the most creative fixes cannot replace proper inspections and repairs, and speeding in such conditions will inevitably lead to severe penalties.
