Amber signals more visible, should be mandatory

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: Why don't manufacturers all use amber lights for turn signals, as is found on many imports? Seems like a safer option to me.

A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols replies:

Transport Canada allows for rear turn signals on vehicles to be either red or amber. The provincial Highway Traffic Act does not specify the colour of turn signal lamps and thereby makes allowance for compliance with the federal standards.

We are not aware of any intention by Transport Canada to dictate an amber-only requirement.

Eric Lai adds:

If changes to the regulations were to occur – which would require conclusive scientific proof of safety advantages – red tail lights on existing vehicles would undoubtedly be "grandfathered" to allow for their continued use.

Q: I recently imported a 1998 Plymouth Breeze from the U.S. There is no spot for a front licence plate on the bumper. Am I legally required to have a front licence plate?

I'm worried about compromising the integrity of the bumper by drilling to install a plate holder, or maybe finding a front bumper with built-in plate holder from a Canadian-market Plymouth Breeze to install on my car.

A: Section 7(1)(b) of the provincial Highway Traffic Act requires two number plates on motor vehicles – except motorcycles, which need only one in the rear. This requirement applies to permanent number plates only, not dealer or service plates, or temporary or trip permits, or visitor vehicles not registered in Ontario.

Also, permanent number plates must be attached on the front and rear of the vehicle. Merely sticking it on your front dash won't do.

You might try attaching the plate to the radiator grille with nylon cable straps (though this could block airflow and possibly cause overheating), or loop the straps around the bumper to secure the front plate. Or, you could get a plate holder made for that model from a dealer or scrap yard.

Garages should be able to safely fit a front plate holder as well.

Q: How can I keep my puppy from jumping on my lap when driving?

A: It's obviously not safe to have an animal potentially interfering with the driver's control of the vehicle – a fact I wish many animal-loving drivers would clue in on.

You have a few options to resolve your problem.

First, there are a number of in-car doggie harness kits available at pet supply shops and online. These typically work in conjunction with your vehicle's seatbelt system. However, with the plethora of front and side-curtain airbags in many newer vehicles, the only safe place left to strap in your pooch in many autos may be the middle of the rear seat.

In minivans, sport utility vehicles and their crossover cousins, a cargo area fence can keep Fido safely out of the passenger area – and away from those potentially deadly airbags.

You could also crate your animal buddy during transportation, though I'm aware that many lap-dog aficionados consider this an abhorrent proposal. (If conditioned properly, experts say dogs will view these containers as a safe den.)

Behaviour modification is another possible solution to consider. I'm no expert on animal training but, being a dog owner myself, I can tell you that dogs are incredibly intelligent and eager to please. Set the ground rules, be consistent, and reward desired behaviours with praise.

With my dog Nestlé, a milk chocolate Shih-Tzu, I never consciously trained him to behave in the car, but I did push him away if he tried to hop on me when driving. He soon learned that keeping off got him to the park faster. He also figured out that hopping around is okay once the gearshift is in Park, and he knows to brace on turns and when we're braking.

NOT SO FAST: Recently, after charges of driving an unsafe vehicle were dismissed in court, artist Dean Baldwin took a celebratory spin on city streets in the "shared propulsion car."

The stripped down, motor-less 1986 Buick Regal converted to a four-person pedal machine with an estimated top speed of 15 km/h, was the same contraption Baldwin was operating on Toronto roads when stopped by police last October.

The four-wheel device apparently neither fits the Highway Traffic Act definition of a motor vehicle, since there's no motor, nor is it classified as a bicycle under section 1(1) HTA. Under section 64(4) HTA, it's excluded from the bike brake law in section 64(3) HTA, which only applies to an "ordinary" bicycle.

In Baldwin's victory ride, however, at least one apparent violation was observed. Under section 76(1) HTA, a "slow-moving vehicle" sign is required on all vehicles (other than bicycles, motor-assisted bicycles, and disabled motor vehicles in tow) that are not capable of attaining and sustaining a speed of 40 km/h on level ground while operated on the highway. No such sign was attached.

Also, arm signals are required out the window to manually signal turns and when slowing and stopping, as required under section 142(4,8) HTA.

Additionally, under section 62(25, 26) HTA, every vehicle requires lights and/or reflectors if operated on the highway at night time or in fog. (Specific lighting requirements for motor vehicles, bicycles etc. are listed in other HTA subsections.)

And, he should stay off controlled-access expressways (S. 185(2) HTA).

PUT TO THE TEST: Reader William Pollock seeks clarification on licence retest requirements for at-fault senior drivers involved in a collision.

Ontario Transportation Ministry officials advise that, under the 70+ Collision Program, drivers age 70 and over who are involved in a collision and are subsequently convicted of a traffic violation in relation to the collision are required to successfully complete a vision, knowledge and level 2 (G2) road test.

The determination of fault associated with the driver action preceding a collision is not a consideration. The sole consideration is whether or not the driver was convicted of a collision-related offence.

Under the licence renewal program for senior drivers age 80 and over, some drivers may be referred for a level 1 (G1) road test by the Driver Improvement Counsellor, when conducting the required vision, knowledge and group education session, based on the driver's record and participation in the group education session.

Email your non-mechanical questions

to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca.

Please include year, make, model and

kilometres of autos cited, plus your name, address and telephone number.

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