We’ve all seen heavily modified cars scooting around town, lowered, aftermarket “cat-back” exhaust, with louder-than-life stereos or the giant 4x4s with lifts and roaring stove pipes. But, are these tricked-out rides legal in Ontario according to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA)?
Not quite and here’s why.
The HTA outlines many offences which range from modifications pertaining to exhaust systems to bald tires, and can carry fines ranging from $110-$5000. In some cases, the fine can be higher if the involved vehicle is for commercial use.
The Highway Traffic Act states:
84. (1) No person shall drive or operate or permit the driving or operation upon a highway of a vehicle, a street car or vehicles that in combination are in a dangerous or unsafe condition.
An unsafe vehicle can pertain to dark tinted windows, broken mirrors, bald tires, not having windshield wipers etc. If you’ve been pulled over and the officer notes any unsafe conditions, the vehicle’s plates can be seized, the vehicle towed and a Part III for s.84(1) can be issued. This can prove to be a very costly infraction for someone who’s just trying to make their ride a bit cooler than how it rolled out of the factory.
If you’ve been charged with any offence pertaining to vehicle modifications, be sure to become informed on what options are available to you. Equipment related offences can have a massive impact on your insurance should you simply pay the fines.
Look forward to more posts about vehicle modifications:
Tire and suspension modifications
Lights and headlight modifications
Excessive noise
Modified motorcycles
Inspections, charges, and penalties
By Joel LaCoursiere
