Tesla Driver Clocked at 143 MPH on Highway 99 Gets a Ride to Jail

By Bill McEwen, News Director

Published 2 years ago on

August 14, 2023

What does driving 143 MPH on Highway 99 get you?

Well, if you don’t crash and wind up in the hospital — or worse — you’ll get a ride to Fresno County Jail and a towed car, the California Highway Patrol says.

There’s also the likelihood of a speeding fine exceeding $900, points on your driving record, and higher insurance rates.

A CHP officer clocked a Tesla at 143 before it exited 99 at Central Avenue at about 4 a.m. on Friday.

“The commercial licensed driver was late for work and tried to beat the clock,” CHP Fresno said on its Facebook page. “If you’re late you’re late, don’t risk a ticket, a crash, or in this case being arrested.

“We are here to help keep everyone as safe. Help us by obeying the traffic laws.”

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Bill McEwen,

News Director

Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email