Man Charged When His Car Resembles Unmarked Police Vehicle

On May 7, 2022, at approximately 7:15 pm, RCMP Westman Traffic Services observed a black Ford Crown Victoria on a service road off Highway 10, in the RM of Minto-Odanah. The officer noticed that the vehicle was equipped with police-style equipment including a push-bar, spotlight and roof-mounted antenna. “The vehicle looked exactly like an unmarked police vehicle. The only thing that gave it away is that police no longer use Crown Victoria cars, but the general public may not realize this,” said Sgt. Mark Hume, Unit Commander of Westman Traffic Services.

The driver and registered owner, a 23-year-old male, was charged under Section 216 of the Highway Traffic Act for driving a vehicle that looked like a police vehicle. The driver was also given a vehicle defect notice that required him to report to MPI’s Vehicle Safety department. He is required to remove the push-bar, spotlight and roof-mounted antenna. If he fails to do so by the deadline given, the vehicle will be deemed unfit and his registration and insurance will be suspended.

“It is important for the public to know that it is illegal for civilian vehicles to have any equipment that could cause someone to mistake it for a police vehicle. The RCMP takes these issues very seriously, and we ask that people report look-a-like police vehicles to their local RCMP Detachment or Police Service so we can follow up.”