RCMP says ‘dry‑off‑my‑car’ isn’t an excuse for racing at 111 km/h

Late last night, a sedan roared down a Coquitlam arterial at 111 km/h, nearly double the posted 60 km/h limit. The speed was captured by a stationary radar unit operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

When officers pulled the driver over, he offered what might be the most unusual justification you’ll hear on a traffic stop: “I was trying to dry off my car.” He claimed rain had left the vehicle slick and he wanted to shake off the water before heading home.

RCMP officers weren’t buying it. “Trying to dry a car is not a legitimate reason to exceed the speed limit,” said a spokesperson for the Coquitlam detachment. The officer added that the driver’s explanation not only failed to excuse the danger he created, it actually made the situation riskier by encouraging reckless acceleration.

According to the police, driving at such a speed in a residential‑type corridor puts pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists in serious jeopardy. The RCMP said they will be laying a charge of exceeding the speed limit, which can carry a fine, demerit points and potentially a licence suspension.

Local residents, who have voiced concerns about speeding in the area for months, said the incident only highlights a broader problem. “We’ve been seeing cars zip through that corner for years,” commented one neighbour. “If someone is willing to speed that fast just to dry a car, imagine what else they might do.”

The RCMP reminded drivers that the law is clear: the posted speed limit must be obeyed, regardless of weather, vehicle condition or personal inconvenience. They urged anyone who feels their car is wet to pull over safely and use the vehicle’s wipers or wait for a few minutes before moving again.

As for the driver, he will appear in court later this month. The court will decide whether additional penalties, such as a driving prohibition, are warranted.