Tesla driver fined for ‘reading documents’ on busy B.C. highway: RCMP

Police stopped the vehicle and the driver was issued two tickets—one for driving without due care and attention and another driving with controls obstructed. (Handout)

Mounties in the British Columbia Interior say a Tesla driver was fined Wednesday after they were caught “reading documents” behind the wheel while travelling down a busy highway.

The West Kelowna RCMP is reminding drivers they must maintain contact with the steering wheel and ensure safe operation of their vehicles, regardless of any driver-assistance technology on board.

Officers observed the Tesla Model Y travelling south on Highway 97 in heavy traffic while the driver was focused on the paperwork in their hands, police said in a news release Thursday.

Police stopped the vehicle and the driver was issued two tickets—one for driving without due care and attention and another driving with controls obstructed, according to the release.

“Regardless of the technology available in a vehicle, drivers are responsible for maintaining control and remaining attentive at all times,” Const. Ash Puri said in a statement.

“Driver-assistance features are designed to assist drivers, not replace them. Taking your attention away from the road while a vehicle is in motion places everyone at risk and can have serious consequences.”

Authorities say drivers are legally responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles at all times and must be prepared to take immediate control when necessary.

Distracted driving and inattention are significant contributors to collisions throughout the province, the release said.

Anyone who witnesses dangerous or distracted driving behaviour is encouraged to report it to police as soon as it is safe to do so.