A giant banana-shaped car was pulled over by police, and the reason behind the stop was surprisingly ordinary.
Unusual traffic stops have become part of Steve Braithwaite's everyday life. The British-born traveler has spent years driving his self-built "Big Banana Car" across North America, attracting attention wherever he goes. Now, the unusual vehicle has been stopped by police once again, and the officers' reaction quickly went viral online.
Why The Giant Banana On Four Wheels Was Stopped
The traffic stop took place on Interstate 90 in Montana because the vehicle's license plate, which reads "SPLIT," was partially obstructed. The banana-shaped bodywork itself was not the issue.
Braithwaite fully cooperated with the officers, understood the reason for the stop and ultimately received neither a ticket nor a fine. He was then allowed to continue his journey to Seattle, where he was heading to attend an art car parade.
The Police Stop Goes Viral
The Montana Highway Patrol shared photos of the stop on social media. Their post included the joke that traffic laws apply to fruit as well. The officers also used the pun "apPEALing," a playful reference to the banana's peel.
The post quickly gathered thousands of reactions and was picked up by media outlets around the world. Ironically, it wasn't the weird traffic stop itself that made headlines, but rather the police department's humorous social media response.
The Story Behind The Banana Car
The vehicle – which looks like something Donkey Kong could easily drive in Mario Kart – is built on a 1993 Ford F-150 pickup truck. Braithwaite began construction in 2008 and completed the project three years later.
Its body consists of a carefully sculpted fiberglass banana, bringing the vehicle's total length to approximately 23 feet.
During the early years of ownership, Braithwaite joked that he may have become the most frequently pulled-over driver in America. More than a decade later, the oversized fruit continues to carry him across North America and has become far more than a one-time publicity stunt.
The Banana Driver Became A Full-Time Nomad
What started as a bizarre automotive project eventually became an entire lifestyle.
Braithwaite sold most of his possessions and now lives on the road. He describes himself as a "Banana Car Nomad" and spends much of his time traveling from place to place inside the giant fruit. He often stays with strangers and, as a thank-you, offers them rides in the famous banana car.
His latest adventure is already underway. As part of his "World Needs More Whimsy Grand Tour," he plans to travel through Mexico, continue into South America and potentially even cross the Atlantic in the future.
For Braithwaite, the vehicle is no longer simply an unusual car – it has become the centerpiece of an extraordinary lifestyle.
In interviews, he has explained that his favorite part of the experience is seeing how much joy the banana brings to complete strangers. Meeting new people and making them smile is, in his view, a dream life.
The most fascinating part of the story is how a seemingly ridiculous hobby evolved into years of travel, human connections and viral moments. That combination of individuality, positivity and just the right amount of madness is exactly why the giant banana continues to capture the internet's attention.
Would you take a ride in the giant banana, or do you think fruit belongs in the grocery store instead of on the highway? Let us know in the comments below.
