Commercial truckers will face higher fines for not using, or having, tire chains in designated areas.
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September 21, 2019 - 11:00 AM
VERNON - Commercial truckers in B.C. will now face higher fines for not using tire chains in designated chain-up areas as well as for not carrying chains when required.
Effective Oct. 1, drivers will now be fined $196 for not carrying chains when and where required, and $598 for not installing chains during mandatory chain ups. Drivers previously faced a base-level fine of $121.
"The stricter fines support the enhanced chain up regulations implemented last November to improve safety and reliability of B.C. highways during winter conditions. The fine increases were not implemented at that time, as the ministry wanted to provide the industry with sufficient time to adjust its practices to the new regulations," the Ministry of Transportation said in a press release.
Previously, only vehicles over 27,000 kilograms were required to carry and use traction devices, with only one wheel needing chains during winter conditions and mandatory chain ups. The new, more all-encompassing enhancements clarify requirements for all commercial vehicles over 5,000 kilograms.
According to the Ministry, the Coquihalla saw 10 extended closures last winter, nine of which involved commercial vehicles. The previous year saw 35 extended closures, 33 of which involved commercial vehicles.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2019