BC man’s car impounded after doing 218 km/h during ‘engine test’

A man driving on Vancouver Island had his car impounded after speeding to test some new modifications to his car.

BC Highway Patrol was on Highway 1 near Ladysmith when officers caught the 31-year-old from Nanaimo going 218 km/h in a 90 km/h zone just after 5 p.m. on April 25, according to a press release from police.

“The driver told BC Highway Patrol that he was testing his new fuel injectors,” Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said in the release. “We have heard the ‘engine test’ excuse many times. Driving at the speed limit is enough of a test. If you need more speed, go to a racetrack and do it properly.”

He received a $483 fine for excessive speeding and will have to pay for the tow truck, seven-day impound and higher insurance premiums from ICBC.

“The entire month of May is dedicated to reducing high-risk driving in BC,” Cpl. McLaughlin said. We hope that people choose to slow down, relax more, and get to their destination safely rather than end up a statistic.”