Panda-suited biker ticketed in Minnesota

State troopers not amused

An attention-seeking motorcyclist in Minnesota was ticketed for reckless driving after he was stopped by state troopers while dressed as a panda.

Police had been on the lookout for the costumed biker, who was recorded earlier this summer weaving in and out of traffic on Highway 101 by a concerned motorist. On that occasion, he exited the highway before police could could locate him.

Traffic cameras captured the same rider on Interstate 394 in late August. Troopers were able to pull over the driver, who told officers he wanted his riding videos to go “viral.” Instead, he was ticketed and forced to hand over his panda head.

Police were not entirely amused. On its Facebook page, the Minnesota State Patrol reminded motorists to "make sure you can see and be seen."

"Halloween’s not for more than a month. And even if Halloween was today, this would not be OK — or legal, in case you were wondering. ... A panda head will not protect you in a crash like a DOT-approved helmet would."