The Officer Should Have Exercised Discretion

Good Cop, Bad CopThe subject of an officer using his or her discretion in the issuance of a traffic ticket is often part of the explanation in the discussion forum on the DriveSmartBC web site. People asking for assistance in formulating their defence in traffic court often feel that in their case the officer should have given them a warning instead of a ticket. Sometimes I agree with them and sometimes I don't.

Q&A - Too Slippery to Stop & Was Ticketed

Q&A ImageI recently received a ticket that I plan to dispute. The alleged offense was disobeying a stop sign. I would like to know if/how road conditions can factor into a dispute. The stop sign was at the end of a downhill exit ramp that led to a straight-ahead-or-left-turn-only intersection (left turn through underpass), and onto a different highway.

RESOURCE - Rolling in the City

Surveyor AheadThis is a blog with great potential. It appears to be very recently created by a gentleman named Roy, a BC resident, and is intended to be a resource on transportation planning. Hopefully he will also blog about the transportation planning issues that he encounters in his job. This is the only BC based blog of its kind that I am aware of.

Q&A - Difference Between Off Road & Driving Lights

Q&A ImageI have been trying to find specifics on what is the difference between a offroad light and a driving light. All I can see is the indicator of SAE-Y on the lens, is this the only difference? Anywhere I could find what lumens or candle power specs are involved with the difference? Any info would be great.

RESEARCH - CBC Marketplace: Paws for Concern

Crash TestWe buy products that we expect will perform according to the manufacturer's claims for them. In this case the product is a restraint for our canine friends when they ride in our vehicle with us. The claim is that the restraints will protect the animal. CBC Marketplace testing finds the contrary, our expectations may be putting both our pets and ourselves at risk.

CASE LAW - Davies v Elston

BC Courts Coat of ArmsJim Davies was unhappy with how close Kevin Elston parked his pickup truck to a cycle lane. The rearview mirror on the truck was a hazard to passing cyclists. Mr. Davies commented to his son who was riding along with him. Mr. Elston overheard the conversation, got into his truck and caught up to the Davies.

Q&A - Transfer of Ownership & Huge Towing Bill

Q&A ImageMy girlfriend recently failed to properly transfer ownership of her car after she sold it. The guy shortly after wound up getting the car impounded somehow, and the vehicle was never transferred out of her name. Now, a towing company 4 months later wrote her telling her that she owes $3100 in towing and storage fees. HELP!