NEWS - Penalty Points for Distracted Driving Behaviours

province of bcI'm sure that you have heard by now that the BC government has announced penalty points to go with a violation ticket for talking on a handheld device while driving. This new penalty, which also covers infractions like watching a DVD, programming a phone’s GPS, and operating hand-held audio players, is being combined with the $167 fine already in place and is now consistent with the three points and $167 fine currently given to drivers for texting.

Q&A - Need to Change Court Date - Again

Q&A ImageHow many times will the courts allow a case to be posponed?  I am fighting an elleged excessive speeding ticket.

My lawyer was unable to attend the first date due to scheduling conflict.  Now my lawyer has moved on and I need another lawyer.  Will the courts allow a second date to be posponed.  Next date is approx 1 month from now.

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.

Q&A - Operating an LSM with Class 7L

image of Class 7N and Class 7L Driver signs for BCI just bought a 50 cc scooter and was really hoping you could help me with two questions. It is a 2003 Yamaha BWS. First, can I drive it with my Learners license? I am turning 16 in a week, and know many people who ride them around with they're L, or so they say, but I can't find any for sure legislation. Second, can I take two people with my L?

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.

REPORT - Administrative Alcohol and Drug Related Driving Prohibitions

BC LogoDriving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs continues to be a significant problem in British Columbia, our Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) notwithstanding. While it has saved lives, we still have a long way to go. RoadSafetyBC (the new name of the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles) publishes data on the IRP program for the public's review.

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CASE LAW - Link v ICBC

BC Courts Coat of ArmsPeter Link was driving to White Rock from Richmond on an evening with 2 to 3 inches of new snow. On highway 99 between the highway 10 and highway 91 exits he was passed by an unidentified SUV. The SUV moved into Link's lane after passing at such a short distance that his windshield was completely covered by snow thrown up by the SUV's wheels making it impossible to see.