Pink Barbie Jeep Driver Busted for Impaired Driving on Morning Commute

A surreal scene unfolded on a Coquitlam highway recently as RCMP officers pulled over a man driving a motorized pink Barbie Jeep, only to discover he was allegedly impaired. The bizarre incident occurred on Thursday, June 13, around 6:30 a.m., when Coquitlam RCMP officers spotted the unusual vehicle navigating traffic on Lougheed Highway near Golden Ears Way.

The bright pink toy vehicle, unmistakably a larger-than-life rendition of the iconic Barbie car, immediately caught the attention of patrolling officers.

Upon stopping the vehicle, they identified the driver as a 27-year-old Coquitlam resident. Further investigation quickly revealed the driver was allegedly operating the Barbie Jeep while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This peculiar traffic stop escalated as police confirmed the man also lacked a valid driver's licence and the toy vehicle was not insured, nor was it legally permitted on public roads.

Cpl. Deanna Law, a spokesperson for the Coquitlam RCMP, emphasized the serious nature of the situation despite its outwardly comical appearance. "If you are going to drive, do it sober, with a valid licence, and in a vehicle that is street legal," Cpl. Law stated, underscoring the vital importance of road safety regulations.

The 27-year-old man was subsequently released from custody with a future court date, where he will face charges related to impaired driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

This incident serves as a peculiar yet stark reminder that road safety rules apply to all vehicles and all drivers, regardless of how whimsical or unconventional their mode of transport might be.

The pink Barbie Jeep, a children's toy modified for a full-sized adult, undoubtedly made for an unforgettable sight for morning commuters, but the underlying serious offences highlight the ongoing challenges police face in ensuring public safety on our roads.

The RCMP continues to remind the public that operating any vehicle while impaired poses significant risks to the driver and to other road users, a message that remains crucial, even when delivered through the lens of a pink, plastic toy car.