Police spotted the speeding vehicle on State Highway 83 near Otematata about 5.20pm yesterday, Sergeant Matt Lee, of Dunedin, said.
‘‘The BMW was initially showing as travelling at 160kmh in an 80kmh zone when locked on the radar.
‘‘Police activated their red and blue lights and the vehicle accelerated heavily, travelling even faster."
Police did not pursue the 18-year-old but radioed ahead to another unit which got approval to use road spikes.
Because the driver took off at speed and ignored police’s red and blue lights, road spikes were approved to be deployed though they were ultimately not required to rein in the 18-year-old.
The unti successfully pulled the car over without incident.
The teenage driver said he was travelling so fast because of a family emergency.
He was charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop for red and blue lights, Sgt Lee said.
