Equipment

Information on specific vehicle equipment.

New Winter Tire Rules for BC

Mountain and Snowflake winter tire symbolOn October 1, 2014 the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced new winter tire rules for British Columbia. The changes are part of the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review conducted by the Ministry about one year ago when BC residents were asked to express their opinion. From the information provided to me, it appears that the only thing that has changed is the signage beside the highway and the chain option for passenger vehicles.

The Boss Won't Fix It!

MechanicIt is not uncommon for police to stop a defective vehicle and be told "The boss said drive it." The employee is at a disadvantage, he has to drive to keep his job but he is also liable for driving the defective vehicle. While the employee cannot be absolved for the deficiencies, the boss is equally responsible in law.

Q&A - Adding Extra Reflectors

Q&A ImageI drive a Toyota Corolla sedan and a lot of time do night driving. For the safety of me, my family and other road users, Can I stick additional red reflecting tape (that’s available in Canadian Tire) on the rear bumper of my car? I did a search on Google but I did not get a definitive answer.

Q&A - Candlepower Restrictions

Q&A ImageIt used to be that there was a candle power restriction for vehicles but these days none.  I was driving along the other day and an approaching car had the high beam on.  I flashed my high beam in hopes they would switch to low beam but no.  As the car drew closer I was being blinded and had to slow down. 

Be Smart About Vehicle Modifications

image showing vehicle modificationsThere are many different types of vehicle manufactured today in many different models and colours with a host of accessories to make your ride just right for you. For some of us, this just isn't enough and we want to modify our vehicles to suit our personalities and desires. Some of these vehicle modifications are unique and permitted by law, but some are unsafe and will put you in conflict with vehicle safety rules.

Can't I Just....

police officer writing ticketExpired drivers licenses, no lights, no trailer brakes, a little to much to drink and you are being told to park your vehicle at the roadside and this is the end of your journey. Can't I just drive home? I’m only few blocks away....

CASE LAW - Tube Doors

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case is out of Kamloops, B.C. where Philip Dolson disputed a violation ticket for operating his Jeep without proper doors. In this instance he had replaced the OEM doors on his vehicle with tube doors. The tube doors are described by the manufacturer as off roading equipment.

PHOTOS OF CONCERN - Tires Too Wide for Vehicle Body

cameraHere is an example of tires that are too wide for the body of this pickup.

Section 7.06 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations requires that every vehicle, trailer and semi-trailer not constructed so that the spray and splash of water and mud to the rear of the vehicle is minimized shall be equipped with mudguards and, if necessary, mudflaps.

Q&A - Chain Requirements

Q&A ImageHave all wheel drive and four wheel drive pickup new f150. Mud and snow rated tires. Does this truck require chains on all wheels when chain up signs are on. Truck can be switched from two wheel drive to these options. Are chains just needed for the rears?