Kamloops RCMP target altered vehicles in two-day blitz

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say they’ve partnered with Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers to target altered vehicles.

In a news release issued Wednesday (May 18) morning, RCMP say they targeted polluters, along with vehicles with insecure loads, lifts and large tires over a two-day blitz last week. The joint project had check points in Sahali, Juniper and other areas where RCMP received complaints.

In one example, RCMP say they pulled over a large, lifted pickup truck near the hairpin turn on Summit Drive that had tires too wide for its wheel wells, along with a suspected altered exhaust system and mud flaps that were too small.

“These people are just driving down the highway pushing smoke out so we’re going to be cleaning that up,” Cpl. Wayne Chung says.

Cpl. Chung says some vehicle owners will alter their exhaust system to increase horsepower at the cost of adding more pollution and noise into the environment. RCMP say vehicles can also exhale hotter gases with exhaust modification and creating more of a fire risk for those who off-road on dry grass.

Those who make modifications to their exhaust system could be ticketed for having a defective vehicle and required to have it fully inspected at a designated facility before returning to the roadway.

“Word to the wise, if you’re going to modify your vehicle, you may want to be familiar with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations,” Cpl. Chung says.

Elsewhere, as the weather warms up, RCMP reminded motorists to remove their studded tires to increase their stopping time by having more rubber on the road, as well as prevent damage to the pavement. Police say they noted a high percentage of trailers that had uncovered loads of debris and were improperly connected.

The Municipal Traffic Unit is planning a trailer awareness event to help travellers understand weight guidelines and load distribution as they hit the road for camping. Specific dates for residents to weigh their recreational vehicle will be available in the soon.