Q&A

Questions from site visitors answered.

Q&A - Bumper and Headlamp Heights

Q&A ImageQuestion: With all the off-road looking trucks on the road, I would like to know if there is a law regarding the height of bumpers and head lights on all vehicles. Some of these seem extremely dangerous in the event of an accident. The bumpers are at window height for most cars and the lights are blinding to other drivers at night.

Q&A - Brakes on Boat Trailers

Q&A ImageI have a McGregor sailboat on a trailer, and many yeard ago the brakes rusted out (salt water) and I had to have them taken out in order to move. The rest of the trailer is quite sound. I was informed by people in the industry that I could still tow the trailer as as the boat is quite light and my towing vehicle is quite heavy duty.

Q&A - Pushing a Motorcycle on the Sidewalk

motorcycleI am aware that it is against regulations to park or stop on a sidewalk. Is 'Pushing' covered under the motor vehicle act? (pushing with the vehicle turned off and not riding in any way)

For example, say a motorcycle runs out of fuel, and the vehicle operator feels that leaving the motorcycle on the road wouldn't be the best thing to do, and that pushing the motor vehicle on the road seems unsafe.

Q&A - Bicycle Lane Speed Limits

Q&A ImageI understand that when driving in a bike lane the speed limit is 30km/hr. However the signage for these can be confusing at times I find. Here in North Vancouver for example there are narrow residential roads with images of a bike and two arrows painted directly on the road. This isn't a bike ONLY lane as it's more in the middle of the road with the traffic and is not bound by white lines.

Q&A - Too Deep in Debt to Drive

ICBC LogoI am an employment counsellor with a First Nations Employment Service in BC.  Many of my clients were young and foolish when they started driving and got caught without a license or insurance and they kept doing this until they owe thousands of dollars.  This problem is interfering with their ability to earn a living as adults.  Is there a process whereby they can make payments to get their license back?

Q&A - Vehicle Lift Kits

Q&A ImageIs it correct that the maximum a vehicles OEM height can be modified is 10cm either up or down?

Then why do we see trucks on the road that are obviously lifted more that 10cm? This obviously raises bumper heights and headlights well above the heights mandated in the Motor Vehicle Act, correct?

Q&A - Driving with out of country driver's licence

Q&A ImageMy sister will be coming to Vancouver to visit me from Serbia. She has a valid Serbian driving license, but no insurance (she currently doesn’t own a car). I have a valid BC (ICBC) insurance on my vehicle, and a valid BC driver’s license. Will she be able to drive my car? Does she need to buy some additional insurance for driving my car, or will my insurance cover any damage in case of an accident?