Watch the Google Street View car get pulled over

It happens to everyone.
 By 
Brian Koerber
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you ever find yourself in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, remember to obey the speed limit.

The town is notorious in the state for being one big speed trap, which even led to an investigation in 2012. But when the Google Street View car was rolling through the town in May 2009, the speed trap was in full force.


You May Also Like

As you're heading down WV-39 into Gauley Bridge, the speed limit abruptly drops from 55 mph to 25 mph right as you cross over the train tracks. But despite warning signs, the Google Street View car apparently did not slow down enough.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Following along in Street View, you can clearly see an unmarked police car parked ahead on the left hand side of the road. 

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

And just as the car passes, the cop immediately pulls out and follows the Google car.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Then the lights come on.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

And the Google Street View car pulls over to the side of the road. 

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In 2010 YouTuber Floridanatureman also noticed the incident, but with only 2,700 video views at the time of writing, it went largely unnoticed. 

Now of course, we don't know exactly why the Google Street View car was pulled over in 2009, maybe it's because the cop thought the camera on top of the car was a hazard.

Mashable Image
Credit: PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images

Either way, it's pretty entertaining to watch a Google car get pulled over, one frame at a time. 

Bonus: Can you find the Doc Brown in this group of Bernie Sanderses?

[h/t: Reddit

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.


Topics Google

photo of brian
Brian Koerber

Brian was the Culture Editor and has been working at Mashable on the web culture desk since 2014.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
The Northern Lights will be visible in the U.S. tonight. Here's how to view it.
19 January 2026, Brandenburg, Lietzen: Northern lights shine in the night sky over the landscape in eastern Brandenburg.


Get a free $100 gift card when you preorder the new Google Pixel 10a
hands holding up all four colors of the Google Pixel 10a

Google Maps receives major upgrade with 3D redesign, AI feature
Google Maps upgrade

Google adds new Gemini features to Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive
The logo of Gemini is displayed on a smartphone screen with the logo of Google in the background.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!