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‘Engine test’ is a success, but leads to an excessive speeding impound on Vancouver Island

BC Highway Patrol

2025-05-06 11:43 PDT

File # 7001 2025-775

There are several ways you can test your car’s performance after a tune-up, and one of those ways ensures that BC Highway Patrol will impound your vehicle.

A BC Highway Patrol vehicle supervises as a grey BMW gets towed to an impound lot 

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On April 25, 2025, just after 5:00 p.m., BC Highway Patrol was working Highway #1 near Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, when a speeding BMW was recorded going 218 km/h in a 90 km/h zone.

The driver told BC Highway Patrol that he was testing his new fuel injectors, says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. 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.

The 31-year-old Nanaimo man who was driving received a $483 fine for excessive speeding and will have to pay the cost of the tow truck, the automatic seven-day impound, and increased premiums from ICBC.

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

Released by:

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin
Media Relations Officer
BC Highway Patrol
14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC V3T 6P3
Office: 778-290-5844

Email: bchp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/highway-patrol

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