TRAFFIC COURT - Presenting Video Evidence

VideoSmart phones and dash cams may produce video evidence to defend yourself with in traffic court. However, it's not a good plan to show up with your smartphone in hand and try to show that video to both the prosection and the judical justice while you explain your point. In fact, some judicial justices will refuse to allow you to enter evidence in this manner.

CASE LAW - R v Rajani

BC Courts Coat of ArmsOn March 15, 2019 Zahir Rajani was issued a violation ticket for using an electronic device while driving. He had been observed by police to be looking down while driving his vehicle. When stopped, it was discovered that Mr. Rajani had a cell phone in his lap, facing up, connected by cord. The constable could not say if the screen was lit or not. Mr. Rajani disputed the ticket.

ADAS - Driver Training Needed

ADAS sensor viewsA new vehicle sold today is equipped with a backup camera to help insure that the driver has as complete a view to the rear as possible to insure safety while backing up. An IIHS study compared the crash rates of cars with and cars without backup cameras. Overall, cars with cameras were 17% less likely to be involved in a police-reported backup crash. Why was the reduction so small?

CASE LAW - Sisett v British Columbia (Attorney General)

BC Courts Coat of ArmsIan Sisett was stopped by police for driving at an excessive speed near Grand Forks. He received a traffic ticket for that offence and the vehicle he was driving was impounded as required by section 251 MVA. Being without a vehicle, Mr. Sisett rode back to Grand Forks with the tow truck driver and stayed the night while family members arranged transportation back to Kelowna for him.

CASE LAW - Donato v Quach

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case involves a collision at the intersection of 86 Avenue and 160 Street in Surrey. Joshua Donato had stopped for the stop sign westbound on 86 Avenue intending to turn right. Due to limited visibility he moved forward and slightly to the right in anticipation of making the turn.

CVSE - Ride Hail Vehicle Identification

BC LogoCommercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement has announced that Transportation Network Services (aka: ride hailing) vehicles may now be equipped with identification signs in much the same manner as a taxi sign.

The use of these signs is restricted to when a vehicle is in service and available to the public for pick up only. Using such a sign is permitted in BC provided that it meets all of the following requirements: