A Danish court has approved the police seizure of a brand new Tesla Model Y Performance after a test drive turned into a reckless driving incident. The vehicle remains impounded pending final resolution of the case.
The incident occurred in October when a 38-year-old Copenhagen-area businessman took the electric vehicle for a test drive from a Tesla dealership in Køge. Shortly after departure, police clocked him driving at approximately 100 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on Nordhøj road.
Danish traffic laws classify driving at double the speed limit as reckless driving, which carries immediate vehicle seizure provisions. Police exercised this authority on the spot, taking custody of the approximately 500,000 DKK vehicle.
During Thursday's hearing at Roskilde Court, the driver admitted to the speeding violation. He explained he was testing the vehicle's acceleration capabilities but claimed unawareness of reaching such high speeds. The Tesla Model Y Performance can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds according to manufacturer specifications.
The driver stated he accelerated quickly on a stretch of road without pedestrians or cyclists present. He described the action as foolish but unintentional. Both the driver and Tesla dealership sought return of the vehicle, arguing the seizure was disproportionate to the offense.
Judge Annemette Nyborg upheld the seizure, noting Danish law provides only narrow exceptions to confiscation rules in reckless driving cases. The ruling means the Tesla remains in police custody until the main case concludes, potentially resulting in permanent vehicle forfeiture.
This case highlights Denmark's strict approach to traffic enforcement, particularly regarding high-performance vehicles. Nordic countries consistently maintain some of Europe's toughest penalties for speeding and reckless driving offenses. The incident also raises questions about test drive protocols for powerful electric vehicles that can achieve extreme acceleration with minimal driver awareness.
The final hearing will determine whether the vehicle becomes permanently confiscated. If ordered, the driver would face the substantial financial loss of the luxury electric car's value. Legal experts suggest permanent confiscation remains likely given the clear speed violation and existing precedent in similar cases.
Electric vehicle test drives present unique challenges for dealerships and potential buyers. The instant torque and quiet operation of high-performance EVs can mask extreme acceleration, creating situations where drivers unintentionally exceed speed limits. Several Nordic countries have considered specialized training or restrictions for test driving high-performance electric vehicles.
The case continues with investigation completion expected soon. The outcome may influence how dealerships manage test drives for vehicles capable of extreme performance characteristics.