Dear Cop - Exhaust Emission

What are our 'exhaust emission standards' in BC/Kelowna? I see so many vehicles here that have blue and toxic smoke coming from their tailpipe.
It seeps into vehicles driving behind them and it's dangerous to drivers and to pedestrians who inhale it. I would like to see an AirCare program introduced to the Okanagan, but meanwhile is there any way for the police to control this (e.i fines)?

Dear Cop - Exhaust Emission
I would like to see the Air Care program throughout B.C. All vehicles would have to be tested and it would force owners of vehicles to have exhaust systems which comply with the laws in B.C. This would include emissions and after market exhaust systems which are making excessive noise. I will begin by writing about the sections of the Motor Vehicle Act and Motor Vehicle Act Regulations governing the laws for all exhaust systems on motor vehicles using the roadways of B.C.

Equipment of motor vehicles

Section 219 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that a person must not drive or operate a motor vehicle or trailer on a highway or rent a motor vehicle or trailer unless it is equipped in all respects in compliance with this Act and the regulations.

Failure to comply with this section which covers Discharge of Excessive Fumes/Smoke and Leaking Exhaust carries a $109 fine.

The operator of the vehicle stopped for this offence will also be issued a Notice And Order which will require the vehicle to be inspected within 30 days at a Certified Inspection Station. The owner of the vehicle will be responsible for the cost of all repairs. Failure to comply with the Notice and Order within 30 days results in a fine of $598 and your license plates seized by police and your vehicle towed at your expense to a Certified Inspection Station immediately.

The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations provides the sections on exhaust emissions standards, however, police officers do not have the equipment or training in order to test for exhaust emissions. The standard for charging an operator of a vehicle for exhaust violations is based on excessive visual exhaust fumes and smells associated with the fumes.

Exhaust emissions

Section 29.06 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations indicates that the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions of a gasoline powered motor vehicle engine shall not exceed
(a) in the case of hydrocarbons,
(i) 2.2 grams per 1.6 vehicle km for a light duty vehicle, or
(ii) 275 parts per million by volume for a heavy duty vehicle, and
(b) in the case of carbon monoxide,
(i) 23 grams per 1.6 vehicle km for a light duty vehicle, or
(ii) 1.5% by volume for a heavy duty vehicle.

Now that I have covered the emissions, I would also like this opportunity to write about exhaust systems and the loud noises associated with illegal exhaust systems on motor vehicles and motorcycles in B.C.

Muffler
Section 7.03 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall be equipped with an exhaust muffler consisting of a series of pipes or chambers which ensures that the exhaust gases from the engine are cooled and expelled without excessive noise.

Cut-outs prohibited
(2) No person shall drive or operate a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine when the muffler with which the vehicle is equipped is cut out or disconnected from the engine.
Part removal prohibited
(3) No person shall drive or operate a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine equipped with a muffler from which has been removed any baffle plate or other part.
Alteration prohibited
(4) No person shall drive or operate a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine equipped with a muffler the exhaust outlet of which has been opened or widened.
Noise increase or flames prohibited
(5) No person shall drive or operate a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine equipped with a muffler or exhaust system to which is attached any device which increases the noise of the expulsion of the gases from the engine or allows a flame to be emitted from the exhaust system.

Failure to comply with Unnecessary Noise, the excessive noise from exhausts systems, contrary to Section 7A.01 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations will result in a fine of $109.

The operator of the vehicle stopped for this offence will also be issued a Notice And Order which will require the vehicle to be inspected within 30 days at a Certified Inspection Station. The owner of the vehicle will be responsible for all repairs to the vehicle. Failure to comply with the Notice and Order within 30 days results in a fine of $598 and your license plates seized by police and your vehicle towed at your expense to a Certified Inspection Station immediately.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.