Alberta RCMP are reminding grown-ups they are the boss.

A press release sent out Wednesday urges parents to stand up to their kids, especially when it comes to keeping them safe after a driver was pulled over for speeding in Airdrie on Tuesday.

The officer noticed a cardboard box in the back seat was moving. Sgt. Darrin Turnbull says at first he thought it might be puppies.

Suddenly, a small hand popped out of the top and waved at Turnbull.

"The driver told me the child had refused to stay in the child seat and wanted to play in the box," said Turnbull in the press release.

The preschool-aged child had successfully fought to let fun rule over safety.

"It was obvious who was in charge of things in that vehicle — but the adult got the ticket," said Turnbull.

The driver, who can't be named in order to protect the identity of the child, was charged with speeding and failing to properly secure a child in a vehicle.

Shocked, Turnbull says he's never seen anything like this in his 18 years in policing.

"I know it is sometimes easier to just give in, but when it comes to safety of a child, the adults and not the kids must be in charge," he added.