Tesla driving on autopilot clocked going double the speed limit in BC

BC RCMP are reminding motorists that driving on autopilot is no excuse for speeding.

On Tuesday, police impounded a Tesla in the Coquitlam area for excessive speeding while the automated function was activated.

The vehicle was clocked while cruising at 113 km/h in a 50 km/h zone and upon being pulled over, police report the driver cited the autopilot feature as reason for the excessive speed.

"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

In BC, fines range from $368 to $483 for excessive speeding, plus a fee for towing and impounding the vehicle.

The infraction also counts as three points against the operator’s Driver Risk Premium.