Tesla towed after driving 110 km/h while reportedly on autopilot

A Tesla being impounded after speeding. (Coquitlam RCMP/Twitter)

Driving on autopilot is no excuse for speeding, police say.

On Tuesday afternoon, Coquitlam RCMP impounded a Tesla for excessive speeding. The driver was going more than double the posted speed limit — 113 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.

The driver reportedly cited the car’s autopilot feature as a reason for the speed, telling officers they weren’t the one driving.

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The Coquitlam RCMP posted about the interaction on social media, saying the vehicle was impounded and that “autopilot is not an excuse.”

“But I wasn’t driving, sir!’
Autopilot is not an excuse to drive 113 kph in a 50 zone.
Tesla towed, batteries not included. #SpeedingTicket #DriveSafe pic.twitter.com/EEoqrsNhE1

— CQ RCMP (@cqrcmp) August 4, 2020

According to ICBC, police can issue a fine ranging from $368 to $483 for excessive speeding. The infraction also carries three points towards a person’s Driver Risk Premium (DRP).