Police surprised speeding Kelowna driver’s car didn’t disintegrate

A Kelowna driver caught earlier this month going 50 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 3 was driving a vehicle police say was held together with duct tape and wishful thinking.

Officers with the BC Highway Patrol pulled over the grey Acura clocked going 130 km/h in a 80 zone at around 4 p.m., Jan. 9, on Highway 3 near Christina Lake, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Jan. 20.

“It’s amazing that this particular car could go that fast without disintegrating,” RCMP media liaison officer Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said in the release.

“The owner had put in some effort to hammer out the dents and spray paint the repairs, but his car was not roadworthy. It looked like it had been chewed up by Robosaurus.”

Police said the missing rear window had been replaced with rebar and duct tape and a garden latch was welded to the driver’s door to keep it closed.

The traffic stop cost the 22-year-old Kelowna man $368 for excessive speeding. He will also be paying for the cost of a tow truck and a seven-day vehcile impound. 

The high-risk driver premiums will keep his car insurance costs high for the next three year. He’ll also need to spend the money to fix up his Acura before it will be allowed back on the road.

“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,” Cpl. McLaughlin said.

“And if you’re driving in a vehicle that’s obviously not roadworthy, you probably shouldn’t speed. Police can’t ignore that.”