Pulling `doughnuts' on private land may be a crime

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: If someone is "doing doughnuts" (skidding their vehicle in circles) in a private parking lot, without the owner's permission, can they be charged by police? My understanding is that charges under the Highway Traffic Act are limited to public roadways.

A: Moving violations under the HTA are limited to public highways. However, provincial Trespass to Property Act charges (engage in prohibited activity on premises) and Liquor Licence Act charges (unlawful consumption/open container in vehicle), if applicable, may be laid on private property.

Criminal Code violations, such as dangerous driving, apply practically anywhere (except foreign consulates, sanctioned demolition derby, closed movie stunt set, etc.).

Sgt. Tim Burrows of Toronto Police Traffic Services adds:

Environmental Protection Act charges are another option.

Q: Does anyone make a better gas can? I find the standard red jerry can with the reversible in/out pouring tube makes your hands reek of gasoline and always leaks at the cap seal when pouring. I'd propose that adding a flexible teapot-type spout at the bottom of the standard container design would eliminate both of these deficiencies.

A: You can buy replacement jerry can seals and nozzles at most hardware stores, which may or may not help.

Rittenhouse.ca sells an inexpensive replacement spout that can be left facing outward. Gasoline pours only when the spring-loaded tip is pressed against the fuel tank lip, which cuts spillage since flow stops – and the can is sealed – the moment you lift off from the tank. There's also a safety "no flow" lock position (just give it a little twist).

Another option would be "Flow-n-go" and "E-Z go" gas cans, which have a short hose and a gas station type nozzle. These are somewhat similar to your teapot design proposal. Depending on the product, the nozzle may have a siphon-type pump or the fuel container may need to be elevated.

Alternatively, you might try using a funnel instead of the supplied pouring tube to cut leaks and spillage.

DIESEL VS. GAS: Did you know that diesel vehicles will go farther on a tank-full of fuel than their gasoline counterparts will on an equivalent volume of gasoline? That's because diesel fuel has higher energy content than gasoline and diesel engines are also more efficient.

In new VW Jetta TDI, for example, the automaker claims up to 1100 km between fill-ups.

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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