Why Would an Adult Drive a Power Wheels Jeep in Traffic?
Sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction. In early September, police in Prince George, British Columbia, pulled over a man for driving a pink Barbie Power Wheels Jeep down a busy city street during morning rush hour. Not exactly your typical commute. The man, Kasper Lincoln, later told officers he just wanted a Slurpee and, feeling lazy, borrowed his roommate’s kid’s toy car for the trip. The result? Pure magic—if your definition of magic includes flashing lights and handcuffs.
Can You Get Arrested for Driving a Toy Car on Public Roads?
It turns out, yes, you absolutely can. Even though the Power Wheels Jeep in question tops out at a whopping 5 mph (8 km/h) and is designed for children ages 3 to 7, it’s still considered a vehicle when used on public roads. Canadian law doesn’t make exceptions for pint-sized pink convertibles. Lincoln was already driving with a suspended license, and officers quickly noticed signs of impairment. Two breathalyzer tests later, he was confirmed to be over the legal alcohol limit—at 9 a.m., no less.
What Are the Legal Consequences of This Kind of Stunt?
The fallout was swift and serious. Lincoln’s license, already suspended, was slapped with another 90-day suspension. He now faces a court date in December for prohibited driving, and the incident has become a cautionary tale across local news and social media. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, impaired driving laws apply to all vehicles—motorized or not—if they’re used on public property. That includes e-scooters, golf carts, and yes, even Power Wheels.
How Dangerous Is It to Drive a Power Wheels Jeep on the Road?
Let’s be honest: these toys aren’t built for grown-ups. The Barbie Jeep’s weight limit is 130 pounds, and Lincoln, at 40 years old, almost certainly exceeded that. Overloading the toy likely reduced its already limited speed and range, making it questionable whether he could have even completed his Slurpee run without dragging the car home. More importantly, driving a toy vehicle in traffic—no matter how slow—creates real hazards for both the driver and everyone else on the road. According to Transport Canada, even low-speed vehicles can cause accidents if they’re not designed for road use.
What Does This Say About Impaired Driving and Public Safety?
This bizarre episode highlights a bigger issue: impaired driving isn’t just about cars and trucks. The law is clear—if you’re impaired, you can’t operate any vehicle in public spaces. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction reports that impaired driving remains a leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada, with over 85,000 incidents reported in 2022 alone. The message is simple: the rules apply, whether you’re behind the wheel of a sedan or a plastic Jeep.
Could This Happen Elsewhere?
Absolutely. Similar incidents have popped up in the US and Europe, where adults have been caught riding children’s toys on public roads, sometimes under the influence. In most jurisdictions, the law doesn’t care about the size or speed of your ride—if it’s motorized and you’re on public property, you’re subject to the same rules as any other driver.
What Should You Take Away From This Story?
If you’re tempted to relive your childhood behind the wheel of a Power Wheels, keep it in the driveway or backyard. The law—and common sense—don’t make exceptions for nostalgia. The big takeaway? Road safety isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.