A Prince George, B.C., man was arrested after police caught him driving a child-size pink Barbie Jeep through one of the city’s busiest streets during the morning commute.
The unusual traffic stop happened around 9 a.m. on Sept. 5 near 15th Avenue and Nicholson Street, when officers noticed the tiny vehicle — a Power Wheels Barbie Jeep Wrangler — cruising down the road.
RCMP say the driver, Kasper Lincoln, had borrowed the toy from his roommate’s daughter to grab a Slurpee. Wearing aviator sunglasses, Lincoln was seen driving along the side of the road before being pulled over by an unmarked police cruiser.
“It’s not like it was a high-speed chase,” Lincoln told reporters. “I waited until it was safe, and when I crossed the road I was doing my hand signals. I didn’t think you could get a DUI in a Barbie truck.”
Police Response
RCMP say that while the vehicle might have looked like a child’s toy, it still qualifies as a motor vehicle since it runs on power and not muscular effort. That means it requires both a valid licence and insurance.
When officers stopped Lincoln, they discovered he had a suspended licence and appeared to be impaired. Two breath samples confirmed he was over the legal limit. He was arrested for prohibited driving and given a 90-day driving prohibition.
Police added that motorists were not expecting to encounter a toy car on a busy road, creating a safety risk for both Lincoln and other drivers.
Witness Reactions
The sight of a grown man driving a Barbie Jeep quickly spread across social media, with photos and videos sparking a mix of humor and disbelief.
Some witnesses thought the arrest was excessive. One onlooker said Lincoln was driving close to the curb at only about three miles per hour. Another joked to him through her car window, referencing the 2005 song Ridin’, “Don’t let ’em catch you riding dirty.”
Others said Lincoln looked like he was simply enjoying himself.
“We were just kind of watching him, living his best life,” said one mail carrier. “It was honestly epic. I give the guy 10 stars.”
Legal Perspective
Police defended their actions, saying an unlicensed, uninsured, and potentially impaired driver in a toy vehicle still posed a public safety risk.
Lawyer Kyla Lee, who specializes in driving offences, explained the law is clear: any motorized toy — whether it’s a Barbie Jeep, electric skateboard, or scooter — is considered a motor vehicle if operated on a public roadway.
Mattel, the maker of the Barbie Jeep Wrangler, says the toy is meant for children ages three to seven and has a top speed of about 8 km/h.
Lincoln’s Takeaway
Lincoln admitted he has faced police before but called this incident the “most hilarious one” yet. He says he plans to dispute the charge but isn’t angry at the officer.
“He was really nice,” Lincoln said. “He even told me this was his first time arresting someone in a Barbie Jeep.”
Despite laughing at the situation, Lincoln admitted the experience taught him a lesson:
“Don’t drink and drive.”
