TL;DR
Steve Braithwaite, driver of the 23-foot Big Banana Car, claims Montana police stopped him during a recent trip. This follows a 15-year history of frequent stops across the U.S., mainly for fun or curiosity. The stops are mostly friendly, with no tickets issued.
Montana police stopped Steve Braithwaite in his 23-foot-long Big Banana Car during a routine patrol on Wednesday afternoon, marking yet another instance in a 15-year pattern of frequent roadside stops for Braithwaite across the United States.
Steve Braithwaite, owner and driver of the custom-built Big Banana Car, reported that Montana law enforcement officers pulled him over while he was driving through Billings. Braithwaite, who has traveled over 250,000 miles in his vehicle since 2008, says he has been stopped hundreds of times across various states, often for minor reasons like license plate issues or curiosity.
He describes the stops as generally friendly, with officers often engaging in conversations or taking photographs. Braithwaite noted that his vehicle’s unusual size consistently attracts police attention, a fact he has grown accustomed to over the years. In this recent incident, he was not issued a ticket, and the reason for the stop was related to his license plate.
Why Frequent Stops in a Custom Vehicle Matter
This ongoing pattern highlights how novelty vehicles like Braithwaite’s can challenge law enforcement’s routine procedures, raising questions about traffic stops and vehicle regulations for unusual vehicles. It also underscores the public’s fascination with whimsical, custom-built vehicles and their role in community engagement and local culture.
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History of the Big Banana Car and Its Cultural Impact
Steve Braithwaite built the Big Banana Car in 2008 after inspired by a banana at a gas station and a desire to create something humorous. Since then, it has become a fixture at community events, parades, and roadside attractions, often drawing media attention and public curiosity. Braithwaite regularly offers rides and participates in events, turning his vehicle into a symbol of whimsy and fun.
Over the years, he has been stopped repeatedly, often with officers engaging in light-hearted exchanges. His travels have taken him across the country, including a recent trip into Mexico, where he was stopped five times in three days, always with friendly interactions.
“I knew they were going to loop around and pull me over. It’s just part of the routine now.”
— Steve Braithwaite
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Details of the Montana Stop and Future Encounters
It is not yet confirmed whether the Montana police issued any formal citation or warning during the recent stop. The exact reason for the stop beyond the license plate issue remains unspecified, and it is unclear if law enforcement officials will take further action or continue to stop Braithwaite on this trip.
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Upcoming Travel Plans and Possible Races
Steve Braithwaite plans to continue his journey westward, aiming for destinations like Washington and possibly Mexico. He has expressed interest in racing the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and hopes to organize more community events involving his vehicle. His future stops and encounters with law enforcement remain unpredictable but are expected to continue in a friendly manner.
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Key Questions
Why does Steve Braithwaite’s vehicle attract so much police attention?
The Big Banana Car’s size and novelty design make it highly visible, often prompting police stops for minor issues or curiosity, which Braithwaite says are usually friendly interactions.
Has Steve Braithwaite ever received a ticket for driving the Big Banana Car?
According to Braithwaite, he has not been issued a ticket during any of his stops over the years, though he has been pulled over hundreds of times.
What is the purpose of Braithwaite’s travels with the Big Banana Car?
He aims to entertain communities, offer rides, and participate in events, turning his whimsical vehicle into a symbol of fun and community engagement.
Will there be more legal issues or stops in the future?
It remains uncertain. Braithwaite expects to continue his travels with friendly interactions, but further stops or legal issues depend on law enforcement encounters during his journey.
What inspired Braithwaite to build the Big Banana Car?
He was inspired by a banana at a gas station and a desire to create something humorous after watching a show about bizarre vehicles. His rule is to build things that make him laugh.
Source: Hacker News
