A replica of KITT, the iconic talking car from the 1980s television series Knight Rider, unexpectedly became the subject of a traffic enforcement mix-up after receiving a speeding ticket from New York City while sitting stationary inside an Illinois museum more than 800 miles away.The Volo Museum, located north of Chicago, revealed that it had received a $50 speeding citation connected to its display version of the famous black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am replica. According to the notice issued by the New York City Department of Finance, the vehicle was allegedly caught traveling 36 mph in a 25 mph school zone in Brooklyn on April 22.Museum officials were stunned by the citation because the replica has reportedly remained parked inside the museum for years as part of its automotive collection. The organization shared details of the incident publicly, explaining that the ticket appeared to be legitimate despite the obvious impossibility of the car being in New York.The museum believes the confusion may have been caused by the novelty license plate attached to the display vehicle. The plate references “Knight,” a nod to the television series, and officials suspect the traffic camera system may have incorrectly associated the custom plate with the museum’s replica vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe display car itself is not one of the original screen-used vehicles from Knight Rider, which aired from 1982 through 1986 and starred David Hasselhoff as crime fighter Michael Knight. Instead, the museum’s version was built in 1991 by Mark Scricani of Mark’s Custom Kits using original design plans inspired by the television car. Scricani later became known among fans for producing KITT-themed accessories and replica components.Only a handful of authentic production-used KITT cars are believed to still exist today, adding to the popularity of high-quality replicas among collectors and television memorabilia enthusiasts.The Volo Museum has since requested a hearing to challenge the citation. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Finance confirmed that an investigation into the ticket has been opened.The unusual situation quickly drew attention online, where social media users leaned into the fictional lore surrounding KITT, whose full name stood for Knight Industries Two Thousand. In the television series, the technologically advanced vehicle was equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced driving capabilities that helped Michael Knight fight crime.AdvertisementAdvertisementFans joked that the supposedly self-aware car may have escaped the museum for a late-night cross-country drive before quietly returning to its display position. Others humorously suggested that KITT’s fictional high-speed abilities made the alleged 36 mph school zone violation seem relatively modest.The incident has since become an unlikely blend of pop culture nostalgia and modern automated traffic enforcement, turning a routine speeding citation into an entertaining mystery involving one of television’s most recognizable cars.Via Volo Museum⚡️ Read the full article on MotoriousSign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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