In what has quickly become one of the most bizarre traffic stops of the year, police in Kingston, Ontario, found themselves processing a crime scene involving a grown man, a frozen beverage, and a bright pink, battery-operated toy vehicle.A 51-year-old man has been charged with impaired driving after he was caught operating a child-sized electric Barbie Jeep on a public roadway. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, serves as a strange but critical reminder of the strict—and often misunderstood—definitions of what constitutes a “motor vehicle” under Canadian law.
The Incident: A Late-Night Craving Gone Wrong
The situation unfolded when a Kingston police officer on patrol spotted a peculiar sight on the road. A local resident, significantly larger than the intended demographic for the vehicle, was attempting to navigate a pink Power Wheels-style Jeep down the street.
According to official police reports, the man was not alone; he was accompanied by a younger female passenger in the toy car, which was surprisingly towing a small trailer. The driver’s motivation? A late-night craving for a Slurpee at a nearby convenience store.
However, the “midnight run” took a sharp legal turn when officers intercepted the slow-moving plastic vehicle. Upon investigation, police determined the driver was intoxicated. Further background checks revealed that the man was already a prohibited driver due to previous offenses, meaning he was legally banned from operating motor vehicles of any kind.
Legal Analysis: Can You Really Get a DUI on a Toy?
This incident provides a fascinating case study for understanding traffic laws. Many readers often ask: Can you actually get a DUI on a bicycle, a lawnmower, or a child’s toy?
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, the answer is a resounding yes. To understand why this arrest is valid (and why it would likely be similar in the US, UK, and Australia), we must look at the legal definition of a “conveyance.”
The Definition of a “Motor Vehicle”
The law defines a “conveyance” or “motor vehicle” quite broadly. It is not limited to registered cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Generally, it includes any vehicle that is drawn, propelled, or driven by any means other than muscular power.
- Bicycles: Usually exempt from criminal DUI charges (though subject to provincial traffic fines) because they are muscle-powered.
- E-Bikes & Electric Toys: Because the Barbie Jeep was powered by an electric battery and motor, it fits the technical definition of a motor vehicle when operated on a public roadway.
Key Takeaway: If it has a motor and you drive it on a public road while intoxicated, you can be charged with a criminal offense.
The Charges and Consequences
While the image of a middle-aged man squeezed into a pink convertible toy is undeniably humorous, the charges laid against the driver are severe:
- Operation while Impaired: Operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
- Operation while Prohibited: Driving while serving a ban from a previous conviction.
This distinction is vital for public awareness. Attempting to circumvent a driver’s license suspension by using alternative motorized transport—be it an E-bike, a ride-on lawnmower, or a child’s toy—does not exempt an individual from the law.
The Safety Risks of Novelty Driving
While social media reactions have largely focused on the comedic aspect of the “Barbie Jeep Bandit,” law enforcement emphasized the genuine safety risks involved in this stunt.
Why this was dangerous:
- Visibility Issues: A child’s toy sits very low to the ground. At night, a real SUV or truck could easily crush the plastic vehicle without the driver ever seeing it.
- Lack of Control: These toys have plastic wheels with poor traction and no braking systems designed for the weight of an adult male.
- Unpredictability: Intoxicated drivers are unpredictable. Operating a slow-moving obstacle on a road designed for 50km/h traffic creates a hazard for other motorists.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Responsible Choices
The Kingston police effectively used this incident as a reminder to the public. If you have been drinking, there is no “loophole” vehicle that makes driving legal. Whether it is a luxury sedan or a pink plastic Jeep, the safest choice is always to stay off the road.
As for the 51-year-old driver, his quest for a Slurpee has resulted in a court date, and presumably, a very awkward conversation with his roommate about the impounding of their child’s favorite toy.
Sources & Trust
This article is based on factual events reported by Sky News Australia and Kingston Police. Legal interpretations are based on general provisions of the Criminal Code regarding impaired operation of a conveyance. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
