DriveSmartBC

Every so often I get asked to write about something that makes me pause and think for a moment. This article is one of those as the reader asked "Could you clarify what the law is in BC regarding offensive words, statements, illustrations etc. on vehicles in use on public roads? For example, I recently saw a truck advising anyone interested that the driver masturbates. Maybe there are no limits these days?"

Question: Are you allowed to wear headphones, earphones or earbuds while driving a vehicle in British Columbia? Can an officer ticket you for using earbuds for hands free calling even if they are not in use? One of my earbuds doesn't work but i have to put it in my ear because the mouthpiece is attached to the one that doesn't work and the sound comes out of the other one.

News reports often tell of heavy commercial vehicles that lose a wheel due to loose wheel nuts like those shown in the photo below. However, this is just as likely to happen to light vehicles and trailers too. Having just installed my own winter tires, this is probably an opportune time to post the picture and remind everyone to review your owner's manual.

As far as I am aware very few, if any, of the electric golf cars or electric sidewalk conveyances that cross or use our streets are neither licensed nor qualified to be licensed. They are therefore not insured for Liability nor Property damage by ICBC.

The next time you are at the front of the lineup waiting for the signal to turn green, watch the driver beside you. Often when the traffic signal turns green they will go without looking to the left or right for hazards.

The School Safety Patrol Program is a public service provided free of charge to elementary schools by the BCAA. Part of the CAA's School Safety Patrol Program it is recognized as an outstanding initiative for reducing injuries and deaths among 5-12 year olds.

Delores Lewis was required to take the computer based version of the DriveABLE test and failed. The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles directed ICBC to cancel her driver's licence. Reconsideration of this decision was possible if she was able to provide a report from her doctor indicating that she was medically fit to drive. This was provided and Ms. Lewis took the test a second time. The result of the second test indicated that her abilities had declined. Her licence remained cancelled.

I was recently stopped for a speeding violation of going 122 kph in a 80 kph zone but I was going just slightly over 80 when I noticed the officer in the middle of the highway to wave me over and as I looked in the rear view mirror there was a black Honda approaching me at very high rated of speed suprisingly he pointed at me to pull over (I have a black VW Golf) When he approached my vehicle he told me I was going 122 kph and

I have received a City of Richmond bylaw ticket for parking my car on the street adjacent to my driveway without displaying  a valid licence plate or decal. (by law 5870 section 12.4(t)).   I have storage insurance on the car but i had to hand in the licence plates when i cancelled the regular insurance. Should i pay it, ignore it  or do i stand a chance if i fight it?

You may have seen a news story regarding a grandfather who had consumed a few drinks and then hopped into the passenger seat to act as a supervisor for his grandson, a learner driver. They encountered a police road check and grandpa found himself on the receiving end of an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) for blowing a fail.