In a peculiar incident that has left many scratching their heads, a driver in Melbourne, Australia, was recently pulled over by the Victorian Highway Patrol for driving a car covered in an array of dazzling Christmas lights. The festive BMW, which could have easily been mistaken for Santa’s sleigh, caught the attention of officers patrolling one of Victoria’s busiest roads in the early hours of November 30th.
A Not-So-Merry Encounter
According to Senior Constable Josh Scarcella, who was targeting speeding drivers heading towards the city with his colleague, the Christmassy car immediately stood out. “He was Chapel Street-bound, as they all are,” Scarcella remarked, referring to the popular nightlife destination. The driver wasn’t speeding, but the officers deemed the vehicle defective due to its potential to seriously distract other road users.
Under normal circumstances, driving a defective vehicle would result in a hefty $790 fine and a notice requiring the driver to prove to VicRoads that the issue had been rectified. However, in the spirit of the season, the officers decided to let the driver off with a stern warning. “They [the driver and passenger] were both in good spirits, we had a laugh with them,” Scarcella shared.
The Festive Fixer-Upper
The driver’s dedication to spreading holiday cheer was evident in the elaborate setup. Scarcella revealed that approximately 1,000 pieces of tape were used to affix the lights to the car, which was running a dual battery system with a 240-volt inverter and an extension lead to power the decorations. The driver, who had been anticipating this moment, quipped, “I’ve been waiting for this to happen, to see how I go.”
While the officers instructed the driver to remove the lights immediately, the strength of the tape made it impossible without damaging the car’s paint. The pair explained that they needed to return home to use a heat gun to safely remove the decorations. Scarcella, showing a bit of holiday leniency, allowed them to leave but requested a photo within 24 hours as proof of the lights’ removal.
Balancing Safety and Seasonal Spirit
When asked about his decision to issue a warning rather than a fine, Scarcella emphasized the importance of education over punishment. “It was more of an education piece for them, having those lights on a freeway is a bit of a distraction,” he explained. The driver and passenger complied with the request, sending a selfie of themselves removing the lights about an hour later.
This incident serves as a reminder that while embracing the festive spirit is encouraged, it must be done within the boundaries of the law and with the safety of all road users in mind. Victorian police, even during the holiday season, remain committed to ensuring that the roads remain safe for everyone.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe, especially during the busy holiday period.
– Victorian Police spokesperson
Key Takeaways for Festive Drivers
As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential for drivers to keep the following in mind:
- Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and vehicle modification regulations
- Prioritize safety over decorative displays when driving
- Be mindful of potential distractions to other drivers
- Cooperate with law enforcement and follow their instructions
- Spread holiday cheer responsibly and within legal limits
While the tale of the Christmas-light-covered BMW may bring a smile to many faces, it also highlights the delicate balance between celebrating the season and maintaining road safety. As we navigate the festive period, let us all strive to be responsible, considerate, and safe on the roads, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a truly merry and bright holiday season.
